Unlocking the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles in breast cancer treatment

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and is typically managed through surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. However, chemotherapy drugs often lack specificity, leading to various adverse effects. To address this challenge, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNPs) have emerged as a potential solution to enhance drug delivery in cancer treatment. MSNPs possess advantageous properties such as high porosity, a large surface area, versatile pore sizes, and compatibility with biological systems. In preclinical studies, MSNPs have shown promise for loading with chemotherapeutic agents like paclitaxel, doxorubicin, and docetaxel. These drugs can be loaded onto the surface of MSNPs or encapsulated within their pores, allowing for controlled release profiles and accommodating different drug properties. To enhance specificity towards cancer cells, targeting ligands such as folic acid, HER2/neu antibodies, and aptamers can be attached to the MSNPs. MSNPs have demonstrated the ability to improve drug uptake and release, resulting in enhanced anticancer activity. Furthermore, MSNP-based drug delivery has improved pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic characteristics, ultimately improving therapeutic outcomes. In conclusion, the experimental data presented in the review underscores the significance of utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles in designing targeted drug formulations for breast cancer treatment. Graphical Abstract