Stimuli-responsive drug delivery system for breast cancer treatment

Abstract

In the annals of cancer treatment within the domain of nanomedicine, the utilization of stimulus-response drug delivery systems has emerged as a focal point of considerable significance. While a multitude of diverse methodologies are presently employed for the treatment of tumors, the preeminent and most efficacious approach, particularly in the context of intricate scenarios, pertains to the targeted administration of therapeutic and diagnostic nanoparticles into the tumor milieu. These nanoparticles exhibit the inherent potential to acclimatize to the nuanced microenvironment of the tumor, thereby surmounting the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity. The stimuli-responsive attributes inherent to nanoscale particles can broadly be delineated into two distinct categories: endogenous and exogenous, with a minority manifesting characteristics of both classifications. This scientific review provides an overview of the discourse surrounding exogenous drug delivery systems, which leverage ultrasound and magnetic fields as responsive stimuli, alongside endogenous drug delivery systems employing pH variations and enzymatic cues as triggering mechanisms. The findings of this review emphasize the significance of stimuli-responsive drug delivery systems as a promising strategy to enhance the specificity and efficacy within the sphere of breast cancer treatment. Finally, the review concludes with a discussion on the future directions and potential clinical applications of these systems.