Targeting Breast Cancer Signaling via Phytomedicine and Nanomedicine

Pharmacology. 2023;108(6):504-520. doi: 10.1159/000531802. Epub 2023 Sep 25.

Abstract

Background: The development of breast cancer (BC) and how it responds to treatment have both been linked to the involvement of inflammation. Chronic inflammation is critical in carcinogenesis, leading to elevated DNA damage, impaired DNA repair machinery, cell growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and invasion. Studies have found several targets that selectively modulate inflammation in cancer, limit BC's growth, and boost treatment effectiveness. Drug resistance and the absence of efficient therapeutics for metastatic and triple-negative BC contribute to the poor outlook of BC patients.

Summary: To treat BC, small-molecule inhibitors, phytomedicines, and nanoparticles are conjugated to attenuate BC signaling pathways. Due to their numerous target mechanisms and strong safety records, phytomedicines and nanomedicines have received much attention in studies examining their prospects as anti-BC agents by such unfulfilled demands.

Key messages: The processes involved in the affiliation across the progression of tumors and the spread of inflammation are highlighted in this review. Furthermore, we included many drugs now undergoing clinical trials that target cancer-mediated inflammatory pathways, cutting-edge nanotechnology-derived delivery systems, and a variety of phytomedicines that presently address BC.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer therapy; Nanomedicines; Natural products; Phytomedicines.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents* / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents* / therapeutic use
  • Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Breast Neoplasms* / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / drug therapy
  • Nanomedicine
  • Signal Transduction
  • Triple Negative Breast Neoplasms* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents