Therapy In Treatment Of Breast Cancer Research Articles

Astragalus membranaceus: A Traditional Chinese Medicine with Multifaceted Impacts on Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer, the most prevalent malignant tumor among women globally, remains a critical area of focus for researchers striving to refine therapeutic approaches. As an important component of traditional Chinese medicine, Astragalus membranaceus (AM) has demonstrated potential for multifaceted impacts on breast cancer treatment through various mechanisms. To guide clinical practice and further explore the under-researched field of AM in breast cancer treatment, this paper mainly reviews the regulatory roles of AM-derived compounds and extracts on breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and chemoresistance. Furthermore, this study delves into the synergistic effects observed when AM is co-administered with chemotherapeutic agents, including the enhancement of chemosensitivity, mitigation of toxic side effects, and reversal of drug resistance. This review indicates that AM holds promise not only as a therapy in breast cancer treatment but also paves the way for innovative integrated treatment approaches that combine the benefits of traditional medicine with modern pharmaceuticals. Nevertheless, future research endeavors are also urged to elucidate the in vivo pharmacological effects and underlying mechanisms of AM to inform more effective clinical treatment strategies.

Utilizing Carbon Nanomaterials for Enhanced Photothermal Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is the most often diagnosed cancer in women and the second largest cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as a viable cancer treatment that uses near-infrared (NIR) light-absorbing chemicals to selectively heat and destroy tumor cells while sparing healthy tissue. PTT has advantages such as high specificity, little invasiveness, and efficient tumor ablation. Recent advances include developing imageable photothermal agents to aid in therapy planning. This review focuses on the function of carbon nanoparticles in PTT, investigating their processes and advantages and analysing in vitro and in vivo investigations. Carbon nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene have a large surface area, great electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility, making them ideal for PTT. Carbon nanomaterials absorb NIR light, enabling deep tissue penetration and targeted heating of tumor tissues, resulting in necrosis and apoptosis. Carbon nanomaterials also increase tumor vascular permeability, which promotes chemotherapeutic drug accumulation and improves treatment results. Repurposing carbon nanomaterials for increased PTT is a potential method because of its capacity to target various pathways, select cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and synergistic effects with other anticancer drugs.

Machine learning and biological validation identify sphingolipids as potential mediators of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in cancer patients

Background:Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious therapy-limiting side effect of commonly used anticancer drugs. Previous studies suggest that lipids may play a role in CIPN. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the particular types of lipids that are regulated as a consequence of paclitaxel administration and may be associated with the occurrence of post-therapeutic neuropathy.Methods:High-resolution mass spectrometry lipidomics was applied to quantify d=255 different lipid mediators in the blood of n=31 patients drawn before and after paclitaxel therapy for breast cancer treatment. A variety of supervised statistical and machine-learning methods was applied to identify lipids that were regulated during paclitaxel therapy or differed among patients with and without post-therapeutic neuropathy.Results:Twenty-seven lipids were identified that carried relevant information to train machine learning algorithms to identify, in new cases, whether a blood sample was drawn before or after paclitaxel therapy with a median balanced accuracy of up to 90%. One of the top hits, sphinganine-1-phosphate (SA1P), was found to induce calcium transients in sensory neurons via the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.SA1P also showed different blood concentrations between patients with and without neuropathy.Conclusions:Present findings suggest a role for sphinganine-1-phosphate in paclitaxel-induced biological changes associated with neuropathic side effects. The identified SA1P, through its receptors, may provide a potential drug target for co-therapy with paclitaxel to reduce one of its major and therapy-limiting side effects.Funding:This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG, Grants SFB1039 A09 and Z01) and by the Fraunhofer Foundation Project: Neuropathic Pain as well as the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD). This work was also supported by the Leistungszentrum Innovative Therapeutics (TheraNova) funded by the Fraunhofer Society and the Hessian Ministry of Science and Arts. Jörn Lötsch was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG LO 612/16-1).

Machine learning and biological validation identify sphingolipids as potential mediators of paclitaxel-induced neuropathy in cancer patients.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a serious therapy-limiting side effect of commonly used anticancer drugs. Previous studies suggest that lipids may play a role in CIPN. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the particular types of lipids that are regulated as a consequence of paclitaxel administration and may be associated with the occurrence of post-therapeutic neuropathy. High-resolution mass spectrometry lipidomics was applied to quantify d=255 different lipid mediators in the blood of n=31 patients drawn before and after paclitaxel therapy for breast cancer treatment. A variety of supervised statistical and machine-learning methods was applied to identify lipids that were regulated during paclitaxel therapy or differed among patients with and without post-therapeutic neuropathy. Twenty-seven lipids were identified that carried relevant information to train machine learning algorithms to identify, in new cases, whether a blood sample was drawn before or after paclitaxel therapy with a median balanced accuracy of up to 90%. One of the top hits, sphinganine-1-phosphate (SA1P), was found to induce calcium transients in sensory neurons via the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel and sphingosine-1-phosphate receptors.SA1P also showed different blood concentrations between patients with and without neuropathy. Present findings suggest a role for sphinganine-1-phosphate in paclitaxel-induced biological changes associated with neuropathic side effects. The identified SA1P, through its receptors, may provide a potential drug target for co-therapy with paclitaxel to reduce one of its major and therapy-limiting side effects. This work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (German Research Foundation, DFG, Grants SFB1039 A09 and Z01) and by the Fraunhofer Foundation Project: Neuropathic Pain as well as the Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases (CIMD). This work was also supported by the Leistungszentrum Innovative Therapeutics (TheraNova) funded by the Fraunhofer Society and the Hessian Ministry of Science and Arts. Jörn Lötsch was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG LO 612/16-1).

In vivo anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activity of renieramycin M and doxorubicin combination treatments on 4T1 breast cancer murine model

Breast cancer continues to be a serious global health concern, necessitating novel treatment approaches. This study explores the potential of combination therapies, investigating the combinatorial effects of doxorubicin (Dox) and renieramycin M (RM) in vivo, previously shown to have synergistic effects in vitro. Single drug administrations and combination treatments were tested on in vivo breast cancer murine models using 4T1-injected BALB/c mice. Tumor volume, animal mortality, and clinical toxicity were monitored, and in silico toxicity assessment was performed. Histopathological analyses using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, and immunohistochemistry utilizing the p63 breast cancer marker were used for validation. The combination treatment of Dox and RM (5 mg/kg + 1 mg/kg) displayed a 46.53% reduction in tumor volume and an 83.63% decrease in observed metastatic infiltration in the liver. Furthermore, the combination treatment of Dox and RM significantly delayed and reduced the clinical signs of toxicity, as revealed by the decline in observed mortality as opposed to animal deaths in single drug treatments. Our study highlights the potential synergism between Dox and RM as combination therapy for breast cancer treatment. These findings provide possible strategies to improved therapies, offering a more effective and less toxic approach to mitigating breast cancer.

Metformin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles augment silver nanoparticle-induced radiosensitization in breast cancer cells during radiation therapy

Recent research has focused on enhancing tumor response to radiation therapy using radiosensitizers to increase radiation absorption by cancerous tissues. This study utilized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as radiation sensitizers and chitosan as a nanocarrier to deliver metformin to breast cancer cells. Metformin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (Met NPs) and AgNPs were synthesized and characterized. MCF-7 breast cancer cells were pretreated with Met NPs, followed by treatment with AgNPs and irradiation with X-rays at 2, 4, and 8 Gy doses. Cellular cytotoxicity, apoptosis, DNA damage, and 3D spheroid formation were evaluated. The synthesized Met NPs and AgNPs had average diameters of 51.5 ± 9.4 nm and 3.02 ± 0.03 nm, respectively. Cellular cytotoxicity assessment revealed the highest cytotoxicity in MCF-7 cells pretreated with Met NPs, treated with AgNPs, and irradiated with 8 Gy. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated a 67.58 % apoptosis rate in cells pretreated with Met NPs, compared to 30.42 % in cells pretreated with plain metformin. DAPI staining revealed a 1.8-fold increase in DNA damage in cells pretreated with Met NPs and Ag NPs upon exposure to radiation. The 3D spheroid culture model confirmed a 60 % enhancement in the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells in the presence of Met NPs and Ag NPs. The combination of Met NPs and Ag NPs represents a promising strategy to improve the therapeutic efficacy of radiation therapy for breast cancer treatment. The delivery of metformin can potentiate the radiosensitizing effects of Ag NPs, offering a novel approach to enhance cancer cells' response to radiation.

CO-delivery of paclitaxel and indocyanine green with Koliphore-elp35/folic acid nanoparticles for NIR-triggered chemo/photodynamic therapy in MCF-7 and MCF-10 cells

Drug delivery with photodynamic therapy may improve breast cancer treatment. Drug delivery based polymeric nanoparticles, especially those made from natural polysaccharides, are promising cancer treatment carriers due to their biocompatibility and potential. This study involved the synthesis of Koliphore-elp35/Folic Acid-conjugated (KoliFA) nanoparticles for the concurrent delivery of paclitaxel and the photosensitizer indocyanine green (ICG) to breast cancer cells, aiming to improve the effectiveness of combined chemotherapy and PDT by using near-infrared (NIR) laser to activate the treatment. The cancer MCF-7 and normal MCF-10 breast cell lines were exposed to the nanoparticle formulation. The MTT assay evaluated the cytotoxic effects and established the IC50 values. The result showed that KoliFA is a near sphere-shaped particle with the average size of core KoliFA 390 nm and a layer of FA on the outer side of the nanoparticles its size increased to 1372 nm after loading PTX, and the zeta potential of KoliFA −12.5 mV decreased to −11mV after loading. The cytotoxicity of the KoliFA-PTX-ICG in MCF-7 cells increased, and reducing IC50 to 9.360 μg/ml compared to MCF-10 cells, this decrease suggests that PDT effect of ICG is a key factor in improving treatment efficacy by increasing ROS generation and increased sensitivity to treatment. Flow cytometry indicated increased apoptosis in MCF-7 cells after treatment with KoliFA-PTX-ICG + NIR laser. This study demonstrated that the KoliFA-PTX-ICG could be a promising platform for combination chemo-photodynamic therapy for breast cancer treatment.

The Effect of Photobiomodulation on the Conditioned Media of 3T3-L1 Cells in the Treatment of Breast Cancer.

Introduction: Breast cancer ranks among the most prevalent malignancies, and its prompt diagnosis significantly amplifies the prospects of successful treatment. Approximately one in seven women will experience a breast cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. Stromal cells and their secreted factors exert various effects on tumor growth, impacting proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. Research has emphasized the significant impact of proteins secreted by adipose tissue on breast cancer proliferation, surpassing the influence of factors released by other cell types. Yet, the specific transcription factors and cofactors involved in adipokine expression in the tumor microenvironment remain enigmatic. Methods: In this study, adipocyte cells were cultured and exposed to 980 nm and 650 nm Photobiomodulation. The MDA-MD-231 cells (triple negative cancer cell line) were cultured with a conditioned medium from laser-treated cells. The real-time assay was employed to analyze the gene expression level changes involved in apoptosis. Results: Results showed that the irradiated conditioned medium at 980 nm and 650 nm caused a reduction in cell viability of cancer cells. Conversely, the conditioned medium from the irradiated cells triggered an increase in the expression of Caspase 3, Caspase 9, and BAX2 genes, alongside a decrease in BCL2 gene expression. Conclusion: The findings highlighted the potential of the laser-treated conditioned medium to induce apoptosis pathways in cancer cells, demonstrating a promising avenue for further research in utilizing low-level laser therapy in breast cancer treatment.

Public neoantigens in breast cancer immunotherapy (Review).

Among women globally, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer and the leading cause of cancer‑related death. Interestingly, though genetic mutations contribute to the disease, <15% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history of the disease, suggesting a prevalence of sporadic genetic mutations in breast cancer development. In the rapidly rising field of cancer genomics, neoantigen‑based immunotherapy has come to the fore. The investigation of novel proteins arising from unique somatic mutations or neoantigens have opened a new pathway for both individualized and public cancer treatments. Because they are shared among individuals with similar genetic changes, public neoantigens provide an opportunity for 'off‑the‑shelf' anticancer therapies, potentially extending the benefits to a wider patient group. The present review aimed to highlight the role of shared or public neoantigens as therapeutic targets for patients with breast cancer, emphasizing common hotspot mutations of certain genes identified in breast cancer. The clinical utilization of public neoantigen‑based therapies for breast cancer treatment were also discussed.

Lipid nanoparticles-based RNA therapies for breast cancer treatment

Breast cancer (BC) prevails as a major burden on global healthcare, being the most prevalent form of cancer among women. BC is a complex and heterogeneous disease, and current therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, frequently fall short in providing effective solutions. These treatments fail to mitigate the risk of cancer recurrence and cause severe side effects that, in turn, compromise therapeutic responses in patients. Over the last decade, several strategies have been proposed to overcome these limitations. Among them, RNA-based technologies have demonstrated their potential across various clinical applications, notably in cancer therapy. However, RNA therapies are still limited by a series of critical issues like off-target effect and poor stability in circulation. Thus, novel approaches have been investigated to improve the targeting and bioavailability of RNA-based formulations to achieve an appropriate therapeutic outcome. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have been largely proven to be an advantageous carrier for nucleic acids and RNA. This perspective explores the most recent advances on RNA-based technology with an emphasis on LNPs’ utilization as effective nanocarriers in BC therapy and most recent progresses in their clinical applications.Graphical

Validation on selected breast cancer drugs of physicochemical features by using machine learning models

Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death among females today. The elbow approach determines the ideal number of clusters after determining that the Dataset is highly cluster able with the Hopkins statistic. Three distinct groups with distinct differences were produced using the dataset's proposed expectation maximization fuzzy k-means clustering algorithm (PEMFKM). Different fuzzy clustering techniques, such as fuzzy k-means (FKM), fuzzy k-means with entropy (FKM.ENT), fuzzy k-means with entropy and noise (FKM.ENT.NOISE), Gustafson and Kessel - like fuzzy k-means (FKM.GK), Gustafson and Kessel - like fuzzy k-means with entropy regularization (FKM.GK.ENT), Gustafson and Kessel - like fuzzy kmeans with entropy regularization and noise (FKM.GK.ENT.NOISE), and PEMFKM, are evaluated. The partition coefficient (PC), partition entropy (PE), and Modified partition coefficient index (MPC) index values are better for FKM.GK than the suggested PEMFKM method. When compared to the FKM.GK method, the index values for the proposed PEMFKM algorithm have superior results for the parameters Silhouette (SIL), Xie and Beni index (XB), and fuzzy silhouette index (SIL.F). The results shows that the PEMFKM algorithm will provide better clusters and that the drugs in a given cluster may be combined for use in combination therapy for breast cancer treatment.

A Smart Nitric Oxide (NO) Generating Immuno‐Trimetallic Nanocatalyst Triggering Chemodynamic Therapy in Breast Cancer Treatment

AbstractChemodynamic therapy (CDT) has great potential in cancer treatment, but its efficacy is limited due to non‐specificity, insufficient hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and excessive glutathione (GSH) within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, an intelligent nanoplatform (Fe3O4@MnO2@NO@Au NPs, abbreviated as CD44FMNA) is reported for the treatment of breast cancer, which is constructed with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) as the core coated with manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoshells encapsulating NO donors and gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) within the pores of MnO2, followed by the conjugation of targeting ligand anti‐CD44 mAb. The fabricated CD44FMNA initially remains inactive in normal cells, but after CD44 receptor ‐mediated MDA‐MB‐231 cell‐specific endocytosis, acidic TME can induce the decomposition of the MnO2 shell to release NO donors, thereby dually depleting the existing GSH in cells and enhancing the Fenton‐like reaction in a cascade manner. The generation of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) and the dual depletion of GSH can significantly weaken the GSH‐related antioxidant defense system (ADS) within MDA‐MB‐231 cells, accelerating apoptosis and cell death via the mitochondrial pathway. In addition, in vivo studies demonstrate that CD44FMNA can effectively inhibit tumor growth with good biosafety. Therefore, this nanoplatform may provide an effective therapy for the treatment of breast cancer.

CAR-based immunotherapy for breast cancer: peculiarities, ongoing investigations, and future strategies.

Surgery, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy have improved the overall survival and postoperative recurrence rates of Luminal A, Luminal B, and HER2-positive breast cancers but treatment modalities for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with poor prognosis remain limited. The effective application of the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy in hematological tumors provides new ideas for the treatment of breast cancer. Choosing suitable and specific targets is crucial for applying CAR-T therapy for breast cancer treatment. In this paper, we summarize CAR-T therapy's effective targets and potential targets in different subtypes based on the existing research progress, especially for TNBC. CAR-based immunotherapy has resulted in advancements in the treatment of breast cancer. CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may be more effective and safer for treating solid tumors, such as breast cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) of breast tumors and the side effects of CAR-T therapy pose challenges to CAR-based immunotherapy. CAR-T cells and CAR-NK cells-derived exosomes are advantageous in tumor therapy. Exosomes carrying CAR for breast cancer immunotherapy are of immense research value and may provide a treatment modality with good treatment effects. In this review, we provide an overview of the development and challenges of CAR-based immunotherapy in treating different subtypes of breast cancer and discuss the progress of CAR-expressing exosomes for breast cancer treatment. We elaborate on the development of CAR-T cells in TNBC therapy and the prospects of using CAR-macrophages, CAR-NK cells, and CAR-MSCs for treating breast cancer.

Tumor targeted nanohybrid for dual stimuli responsive and NIR amplified photothermal/photo-induced thermodynamic/chemodynamic combination therapy

The combination of photodynamic (PDT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for cancer treatment has gathered a lot of attention in recent years. However, its efficacy is severely limited by elevated levels of hypoxia and glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Multifunctional nanoparticles that can help remodel the TME while facilitating PDT/CDT combination therapy are the need of the hour. To this effect, we have developed O2 self-supplying, free radical generating nanohybrids that exhibit near infra-red (NIR) triggered photothermal (PTT)/photo-induced thermodynamic (P-TDT) and CDT for efficient breast cancer treatment. The surface of nanohybrids has been further modified by biointerfacing with cancer cell membrane. The biomimetic nanohybrids have been comprehensively characterized and found to exhibit high 2,2′-azobis-[2-(2-imidazolin-2-yl)propane] dihydrochloride (AIPH) loading, GSH depletion, oxygen self-supply with TME responsive AIPH release. Biological activity assays demonstrate efficient cellular uptake with homotypic targeting, excellent hemo- and cytocompatibility as well as high intracellular reactive oxygen species generation with synergistic cytotoxicity against tumor cells. The multifunctional nanohybrid proposed in the present study provides an attractive strategy for achieving NIR responsive, tumor targeted PTT/P-TDT/CDT combination therapy for breast cancer treatment.

The Survival Benefit of Pegylated Liposomal Doxorubicin-Based Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in the Management of Breast Cancer.

Purpose: This study aims to evaluate the short-term outcomes and prognosis and the cardiac safety of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD)-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) compared with epirubicin-based therapy in breast cancer treatment. Methods: In total, 304 patients diagnosed with stages II and III breast cancer were enrolled that included 97 cases treated with PLD and 207 controls treated with epirubicin in NAC. The effectiveness of the antibreast cancer treatment was evaluated using overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) metrics, whereas cardiac toxicity was measured through the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and electrocardiogram (ECG) assessments. Results: The 5-year DFS and OS rates in the PLD group were 84.5% and 88.7% (with 15 recurrences and 11 deaths), respectively, whereas in the control group, these rates were 72.9% and 79.2% (with 56 recurrences and 43 deaths). Regarding cardiac toxicity, there was no significant difference in ECG abnormalities or LVEF decline between the two groups. Conclusions: The study suggests that PLD-based NAC may provide substantial benefits in terms of DFS and OS, along with a safe cardiac toxicity profile, in patients with stage II-III breast cancer.

O 29 - Impact of spot placement on linear energy transfer in pencil beam scanning proton therapy for breast cancer treatment

O 29 - Impact of spot placement on linear energy transfer in pencil beam scanning proton therapy for breast cancer treatment

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) Down-regulates Cellular, and Exosomal Overexpressed Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) in Breast Cancer Cells Under Hypoxic Condition

Background: The omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acid, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), shows anti-proliferative effects in cancer cell lines and animal models. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the regulators for the proliferation and survival of cancer cells. This study focused on the effect of DHA on cellular and exosomal expression of mTOR and related tumor-suppressor microRNAs (miRs) in triple-positive (BT-474) and triple-negative (MDA-MB-231) breast cancer (BC) cell lines. Methods: BT-474 and MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with 100 μM DHA under hypoxic and normoxic conditions for 24 hours. The exosomes were isolated by ultracentrifuge and determined by electron microscopy and CD9, CD63, and CD81 immunoblotting. cDNAs from cellular and exosomal total RNA were used for evaluation of the expression of mTOR and related tumor-suppressor miRs, miR-101 and miR-214, by quantitative real-time PCR. Results: We demonstrated that DHA significantly decreased cellular and exosomal expression of mTOR in both normoxic and hypoxic conditions for both cell lines. Consistently, DHA caused significantly increased expression of miR-214 in all treated groups. However, altered expression of miR-101 showed different patterns in cells and exosomes. Conclusion: According to the beneficial effect of DHA in decreasing the expression of a master regulator for the proliferation of cancer cells, mTOR, in part by increased expression of miR-214, it could be used as a supplementary therapy in BC treatment. Also, miRNA replacement therapy would be useful by suppressing the expression of mTOR in BC treatment.

Nanoscale strides: exploring innovative therapies for breast cancer treatment.

Breast cancer (BC) is a predominant malignancy in women that constitutes approximately 30% of all cancer cases and has a mortality rate of 14% in recent years. The prevailing therapies include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, each with its own limitations and challenges. Despite oral or intravenous administration, there are numerous barriers to accessing anti-BC agents before they reach the tumor site, including physical, physiological, and biophysical barriers. The complexity of BC pathogenesis, attributed to a combination of endogenous, chronic, intrinsic, extrinsic and genetic factors, further complicates its management. Due to the limitations of existing cancer treatment approaches, there is a need to explore novel, efficacious solutions. Nanodrug delivery has emerged as a promising avenue in cancer chemotherapy, aiming to enhance drug bioavailability while mitigating adverse effects. In contrast to conventional chemotherapy, cancer nanotechnology leverages improved permeability to achieve comprehensive disruption of cancer cells. This approach also presented superior pharmacokinetic profiles. The application of nanotechnology in cancer therapeutics includes nanotechnological tools, but a comprehensive review cannot cover all facets. Thus, this review concentrates specifically on BC treatment. The focus lies in the successful implementation of systematic nanotherapeutic strategies, demonstrating their superiority over conventional methods in delivering anti-BC agents. Nanotechnology-driven drug delivery holds immense potential in treating BC. By surmounting multiple barriers and capitalizing on improved permeability, nanodrug delivery has demonstrated enhanced efficacy and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional therapies. This review highlights the significance of systematic nanotherapy approaches, emphasizing the evolving landscape of BC management.

SERM Therapy for patients of breast cancer and otherwise.

Madam, In Pakistan, the most frequently diagnosed cancer among females is breast cancer, where every year at least 90,000 women suffer from the disease [1]. This incidence is 2.5 times higher than that of Pakistan’s neighbouring countries and the highest in Asia[1]. The current treatments for breast cancer in the country are all invasive forms of therapy and include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, lymph node removal, and mastectomy. This letter aims to draw attention to a newer form of treatment for breast cancer known as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) are synthetic molecules that provide a non-invasive therapy for breast cancer patients. Recent studies have proposed that the specificity of SERM’s mechanism of action and antiviral properties yield fruitful outcomes in treating covid-positive breast cancer patients [2], giving SERMs a significant advantage over former treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy which reduce the body’s ability to fight infections. SERMs block the effects of estrogen on breast tissue, preventing cancer cells from dividing. They also act as an adjuvant in breast cancer therapy [3], suppressing secondary tumor formation. A recent study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology showed significant benefits from two years of tamoxifen therapy in estrogen receptor- positive premenopausal patients of breast cancer [4]. On various other tissues, they act as estrogen, allowing for their use alongside other treatments for postmenopausal women to prevent bone loss and osteoporosis [3]. Despite SERM ‘s wide range of benefits in patients with breast cancer, it is not a fully recognized form of treatment for this population in Pakistan. Such hormonal therapy is only offered by a handful of high-end private-sector hospitals. This is attributed to a lack of research in this area due to various socio-economic factors. A limited choice of treatment for women with breast cancer in Pakistan results from fear of stigmatization and feminine sensitivity [5]. Attention should be brought to alternative therapies for breast cancer treatment to improve prognosis and help patients make the best possible shared decision-making choices.

Challenges of Breast Cancer Treatment through Microbial Therapeutic Delivery

Breast cancer remains a significant global health concern, necessitating innovative approaches for its treatment. Using bacteria as vehicles for therapeutic delivery has emerged as a promising strategy. As a group of prokaryotic microorganisms, bacteria have great potential for use in cancer therapy. Thus, strategies for treating breast cancer need to be continuously refined to achieve a better patient outcome. This manuscript explores the potential of bacterial-based therapies for breast cancer treatment, elucidating the mechanisms underlying their application, safety considerations, and recent advancements. Nevertheless, notable challenges in bacterial-based cancer treatments include potential cytotoxicity, incomplete cancer cell lysis, and the risk of genomic mutations. With an emphasis on engineering bacteria to target and deliver therapeutic agents specifically to tumor sites, this manuscript provides insights into the future of personalized, precise, and effective breast cancer treatment.