Nanocarrier-Assisted Laser-Driven Photodynamic/Chemo Therapy for Breast Cancer: A Narrative Review

Introduction: Efficacy of conjugated photodynamic therapy (PDT)/chemotherapy in the treatment of breast cancer is summarized in this review. Alternative chemo drugs (CDs) and photosensitizers (PSs) are irradiated with lasers at various wavelengths to verify the toxicity of photo-stimulated compounds. Methods: The conducted studies on conjugated photodynamic and chemotherapy treatment of breast cancer across three phases (in vitro, in vivo and clinical) from 2014 to 2025 are summarized in this review. Articles on laser-activated therapies are evaluated, and irrelevant studies have been omitted. The records are sorted based on CD/PS typ laser irradiation wavelength, and energy. Results: Synergic PDT+chemotherapy is a promising method for breast cancer treatment according to in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Nevertheless, the clinical translation of the conjugated approach still meets unresolved issues, including long-term safety, limited selectivity, and biodistribution challenges. Conclusion: The hybrid treatment exhibits superior advantages in tumor shrinkage, high selectivity, inhibition of malignant cells, overcoming drug resistance, and metastasis control. Furthermore, the conjugate treatments mitigate the side effects of high-dosage chemotherapy.