Engineered nanomaterials as an effective tool for HER2+ breast cancer therapy

Drug Discov Today. 2022 Sep;27(9):2526-2540. doi: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.06.007. Epub 2022 Jun 24.

Abstract

Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cancer in women, with a high morbidity rate. The human epidermal growth factor receptor HER2 is a growth-promoting protein that is overexpressed in 15-20% of breast cancers (HER2+ BCs) and is often associated with clinically aggressive disease. Targeting this oncogene has resulted in significant improvements in survival outcomes for HER2+ BC patients. Several HER2-targeted therapies are currently available, including monoclonal antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and antibody-drug conjugates. These therapeutics have improved clinical outcomes in HER2+ BC patients with metastatic disease, increasing the median overall survival (OS) rate. Despite these advancements, there are still many challenges to overcome. In recent times, there has been a significant increase in the use of engineered nanomaterials as efficient cancer therapeutics. In this review, we summarize the application of nanomaterials in HER2+ BC therapy using selected examples.

Keywords: Engineered nanomaterials; HER2+ breast cancer; Targeted nanocarriers.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Neoplasms*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Molecular Targeted Therapy
  • Nanostructures*
  • Receptor, ErbB-2

Substances

  • Receptor, ErbB-2