Hello Saif Subhi Noori

Yes.

The unique properties of nanoparticles (NPs) such as the small size, large surface-to-volume ratio, adjustable physical and chemical properties, ability to load large amounts of drugs, longer circulation time, high uptake and retention, tumor-targeting efficacy, sustained release of the chemotherapeutic payload, biocompatibility, bioavailability, increased circulation time and overcoming multidrug resistance could provide an opportunity for treating breast cancer.

Targeting the tumor can be categorized into three groups.

1. The first group could include passive targeting which is the result of the enhanced permeability and retention effect (EPR), that leads to the accumulation of NPs in tumor tissues because of the leakage of vasculature in the tumor microenvironment. The factors that may contribute to the retention of NPs in the tumor are

a. Compared with normal vessels, the new blood vessels often have large pores, which makes permeability selectivity of tumor vessels worse.

b. The formation of tumor leads to lymphatic dysfunction because of which the interstitial fluid absorption is minimal.

These effects are the key to obtain selective tumor accumulation of chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer.

For instance, Abraxane, an albumin-bound formulation of paclitaxel, is a notable example of how nanoparticles can be utilized effectively in cancer therapy. This formulation takes advantage of the natural properties of albumin to passively target tumor tissues through the enhanced permeability and retention effect. This passive targeting mechanism allows for a higher concentration of the drug to reach the tumor, enhancing its efficacy while reducing the toxic side effects typically associated with systemic distribution.

2. The second group could include active targeting. The surface of tumor vascular endothelial cells usually abnormally express specific antigens or receptors when tumor tissues grow rapidly, while this is not the case in normal tissues. The surface of blood vessel cells in normal tissues rarely or do not express those specific antigens or receptors. Hence, surface modification of NPs with corresponding antibodies or ligands can increase their enrichment in tumor tissues and endow them the ability of targeted delivery of drugs.

For instance, active targeting strategies are employed by newer nanoparticle formulations like ELU001 and CALAA-01, which are designed to improve the specificity of drug delivery by targeting molecules overexpressed on cancer cells. ELU001 targets folate receptor 1 (FOLR1), a receptor abundantly expressed in certain breast cancer subtypes, using C-Dot nanoparticles. This targeting strategy aims to deliver cytotoxic agents directly to cancer cells, maximizing the therapeutic effect while minimizing damage to normal tissues. ELU001 is currently being evaluated in phase I/II clinical trials to assess its safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy.

3. Finally, the third group could include stimuli responsive tumor targeting which refers to the release of payload by triggering NPs at cancer tissues due to internal or external stimuli, increasing its efficacy and decreasing its systemic toxicity by selective release of the drug at tumor sites. The internal stimuli may include changes in redox potential, enzymes, and pH, while the external stimuli may consist of temperature, photodynamic therapy, ultrasound, and electric field.

You may refer to the paper attached below for more information on stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery.

Article Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers for drug delivery, tumor ima...

There are various types of NPs, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, polymeric micelles, dendrimers, carbon nanotubes, etc. that can be explored and employed for targeted drug delivery for breast cancer. Thus, nanoparticles may help lower the toxicity and overcome chemoresistance of conventional chemotherapy.

Attached below are articles which you may want to refer for more information.

https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4426/14/7/723

Article Targeting Engineered Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer Therapy

Best.

Yes, nanoparticles can be used to treat breast cancer by enabling targeted drug delivery, enhancing drug solubility and stability, and overcoming drug resistance. They also facilitate combination therapies and have shown promise in improving treatment outcomes in clinical trials.

Nanoparticles hold significant promise for treating tumors, including breast cancer, due to their ability to enhance drug delivery and targeting precision. By engineering nanoparticles to deliver therapeutic agents directly to cancer cells, researchers can achieve higher drug concentrations at the tumor site while minimizing systemic side effects. For instance, nanoparticles can be designed to bind specifically to tumor-associated biomarkers or exploit the leaky blood vessels in tumors for more effective drug accumulation. Technologies like liposomes, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles are being explored to encapsulate chemotherapeutic agents, improve their solubility, and control their release.

Additionally, nanoparticles can be utilized for imaging and diagnosis through techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or fluorescence imaging. Functionalized nanoparticles can improve the contrast and accuracy of imaging, aiding in the early detection and monitoring of breast cancer. Despite these advancements, challenges such as ensuring targeted delivery, managing potential toxicity, and addressing variability in nanoparticle behavior remain critical hurdles in translating these technologies into widespread clinical practice.