Nanoparticles for imaging and treatment of metastatic breast cancer

Abstract

Introduction Metastatic breast cancer is one of the most devastating cancers that have no cure. Many therapeutic and diagnostic strategies have been extensively studied in the past decade. Among these strategies, cancer nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy in preclinical studies by enabling early identification of primary tumors and metastases, and by effective killing of cancer cells. Areas covered This review covers the recent progress made in targeting and imaging of metastatic breast cancer with nanoparticles, and treatment using nanoparticle-enabled chemo-, gene, photothermal- and radio-therapies. This review also discusses recent developments of nanoparticle-enabled stem cell therapy and immunotherapy. Expert opinion Nanotechnology is expected to play important roles in modern therapy for cancers, including metastatic breast cancer. Nanoparticles are able to target and visualize metastasis in various organs, and deliver therapeutic agents. Through targeting cancer stem cells, nanoparticles are able to treat resistant tumors with minimal toxicity to healthy tissues/organs. Nanoparticles are also able to activate immune cells to eliminate tumors. Owing to their multifunctional, controllable and trackable features, nanotechnology-based imaging and therapy could be a highly potent approach for future cancer research and treatment.

Cholesterol-coated gold nanorods as an efficient nano-carrier for chemotherapeutic delivery and potential treatment of breast cancer: in vitro studies using the MCF-7 cell line

“…Nanoparticle-based approaches are distinctly attractive for breast cancer therapy, diagnosis and drug delivery owing to their tiny size, capability of surface modication using a variety of small ligands and biomacromolecules, and ability to accumulate into tumors owing to the enhanced permeability and retention effect. 4,5 The employment of nanocarriers as drug delivery is a key strategy for treatment of cancers. Several types of nano-systems have been extensively investigated for chemotherapy delivery on a more effective and less toxic fashion, including polymers, liposomes, dendrimers, solid lipid and inorganic nanoparticles.…”

Application of Nanomaterials in Biomedical Imaging and Cancer Therapy

“…Nanoparticles offer an option for photothermal therapy and magnetothermal therapy. They can also be used as a contrast enhancement agent for image-guided radiotherapy [ 218 ]. Gastric cancer is the second most malignant tumour in the world.…”

Targeting Integrins in Cancer Nanomedicine: Applications in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

“…A significant proportion of deaths result from cancer metastases [124]. Several studies have suggested that early metastatic cancer cells can be targeted with NPs [125,126], although the targeting of metastatic cancers with nano-objects, which have a relatively small size and low vascularization, has proven to be a Herculean task. To achieve this goal, Peiris et al fabricated chain-shaped NPs with c(RGDfC) conjugated on their surfaces for tumoral vascular targeting [3].…”