Nanoparticles revolutionize breast cancer diagnosis and treatment: A leap forward in oncology research

A groundbreaking review published in MedComm–Biomaterials and Applications highlights the transformative potential of nanotechnology in breast cancer (BCa) care. Researchers from Sichuan University detail how nanoparticles are reshaping diagnostics and therapies, enabling earlier detection, precise drug delivery, and innovative combination strategies to combat aggressive tumor subtypes like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

Breast cancer remains a significant health challenge worldwide, with a high propensity for early metastasis and poor prognosis. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 2.261 million new cases of BCa patients worldwide in 2020, ranking first among all malignant tumors. Reports from the National Cancer Center indicate that the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in China are increasing rapidly. TNBC, which lacks the expression of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), accounts for 15% to 20% of all BCa cases. It is particularly aggressive, with a mortality rate as high as 40% in advanced stages within the first 5 years after diagnosis.

Current diagnostic methods, such as mammography and tissue biopsies, have limitations in early detection and precise characterization. Traditional treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy often come with severe side effects and limited efficacy for advanced or metastatic cancer. However, nanotechnology offers a ray of hope.

Nanoparticles have shown great promise in improving diagnostic imaging. Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs), for example, can be used as molecular-specific imaging agents in magnetomotive optical coherence tomography (MM-OCT). They accumulate at tumor sites and produce strong contrast effects, enabling earlier and more accurate tumor detection. Polymeric nanoparticles, on the other hand, have excellent optical properties and can be designed for near-infrared (NIR) imaging and phototherapy. They can also be functionalized to target specific biomarkers, enhancing the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis.

In biomarker detection, nanomaterials have revolutionized the field. Carbon nanotubes, with their high surface area and electrical conductivity, are used to develop ultrasensitive electrochemical sensors for detecting breast cancer biomarkers like CA 15-3, HER2, and CEA. These sensors can provide rapid and accurate results, facilitating early diagnosis and personalized treatment.

Nanoparticles also play a crucial role in breast cancer therapy. They can be engineered as advanced nanocarriers to improve drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery. For instance, antibody-conjugated nanoparticles can specifically deliver chemotherapeutic agents to cancer cells, reducing side effects on healthy tissues. Hyperthermia and photothermal therapy using nanoparticles offer non-invasive alternatives to conventional treatments, generating heat to destroy cancer cells. Photodynamic therapy, which combines light-sensitive drugs with light, is also enhanced by nanoparticles, improving drug delivery and reducing side effects.

Moreover, nucleic acid delivery using nanoparticles holds great potential for treating breast cancer at the genetic level. siRNA, shRNA, microRNAs, and mRNA can be delivered to cancer cells to regulate gene expression, inhibit oncogenes, or enhance the expression of tumor suppressor genes.

Despite these promising advancements, challenges remain. The toxicity and long-term safety of nanoparticles need to be further investigated, and standardized manufacturing processes are required for large-scale production. Additionally, the high cost of nanoplatform development and the need for sophisticated infrastructure for storage and administration pose barriers to clinical translation.

However, the future looks bright. The integration of nanoplatforms with personalized medicine, the development of multifunctional nanoplatforms, and the use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are expected to overcome these challenges and revolutionize breast cancer treatment.

“Nanotechnology is rewriting the rules of breast cancer care,” says corresponding author Dr. Li Yang. “By merging diagnostics with targeted therapies, we’re not just treating cancer—we’re outsmarting it.”

The review, titled "Beyond Conventional Approaches: The Revolutionary Role of Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer," is a comprehensive exploration of the current state and future trends in nanomedicine for BCa. It underscores the global push toward precision oncology and highlights the potential for nanoparticles to transform BCa management and improve patient outcomes.

See the full article "Beyond Conventional Approaches: The Revolutionary Role of Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer" at  https://doi.org/10.1002/mba2.70012.