Recent Developments in Vesicular Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug Delivery in Breast Cancer.

Abstract

Breast cancer remains one of the most challenging malignancies worldwide due to its heterogeneity, which affects tumor behavior, progression, and treatment response. The complexity of breast cancer necessitates innovative therapeutic strategies to improve treatment outcomes. This review explores the potential of vesicular nanocarriers, including liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, polymerosomes, phytosomes, and transferosomes, in enhancing breast cancer treatment efficacy through targeted drug delivery. A detailed analysis of recent progress in the functionalization and application of vesicular nanocarriers is discussed, highlighting their contribution to enhancing pharmacokinetics, drug solubility, and targeted delivery. Both passive and active targeting strategies were assessed for their ability to enhance tumor-specific drug accumulation. Vesicular nanocarriers offer significant advantages, including reduced systemic toxicity, improved drug bioavailability, and precise delivery to cancer cells. Passive targeting utilizes the enhanced permeation and retention effect for tumor accumulation, while active targeting employs surface modifications with antibodies, aptamers, or peptides to enhance specificity. The integration of vesicular nanocarriers in breast cancer therapy presents a promising strategy for more effective and personalized treatment approaches. Their ability to optimize drug delivery and minimize off-target effects highlights their potential to revolutionize breast cancer treatment.