Graphene-based nanomaterials for breast cancer treatment: promising therapeutic strategies

Abstract Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and its incidence increases annually. Traditional therapies have several side effects, leading to the urgent need to explore new smart drug-delivery systems and find new therapeutic strategies. Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) are pot...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Guangman Cui, Junrong Wu, Jiaying Lin, Wenjing Liu, Peixian Chen, Meng Yu, Dan Zhou, Guangyu Yao
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2021-07-01
Series:Journal of Nanobiotechnology
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12951-021-00902-8
Description
Summary:Abstract Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women, and its incidence increases annually. Traditional therapies have several side effects, leading to the urgent need to explore new smart drug-delivery systems and find new therapeutic strategies. Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs) are potential drug carriers due to their target selectivity, easy functionalization, chemosensitization and high drug-loading capacity. Previous studies have revealed that GBNs play an important role in fighting breast cancer. Here, we have summarized the superior properties of GBNs and modifications to shape GBNs for improved function. Then, we focus on the applications of GBNs in breast cancer treatment, including drug delivery, gene therapy, phototherapy, and magnetothermal therapy (MTT), and as a platform to combine multiple therapies. Their advantages in enhancing therapeutic effects, reducing the toxicity of chemotherapeutic drugs, overcoming multidrug resistance (MDR) and inhibiting tumor metastasis are highlighted. This review aims to help evaluate GBNs as therapeutic strategies and provide additional novel ideas for their application in breast cancer therapy.
ISSN:1477-3155