Recent advances of dendrimers as multifunctional nano-carriers to combat breast cancer

Abstract

Breast Cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous malignant carcinoma that is the most frequently occurring cancer in women. The major types of BC are luminal A, basal-like, luminal B, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) positive/ Estrogen Receptor (ER) negative, and Triple-Negative BC (TNBC). The conventional therapies against BC include various chemotherapeutic agents in different combinations. Along with the chemotherapeutic drugs, alternatives like hormonal therapy, radiation, and nanotechnology are emerging fields in treating breast carcinoma. Dendrimers are three-dimensional hyperbranched nanosized structures that deal with the toxicity and resistance of chemotherapeutic agents in BC. These nanocarriers can carry drugs on the surface as well as inside the cavity to the desired site. Dendrimers have high loading capacity and exhibit targeted delivery of drugs resulting in reduced side effects. The current review discusses the utilization of dendrimers for treating BC and conquering the limitations of multidrug resistance.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Dendrimer; Drug delivery; Multidrug resistance; Nanotechnology.