A Short Appraisal of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Breast Cancer: In vitro and In vivo Research

The increasing incidence of breast cancer and the associated morbidity due to higher metastasis created the urge to develop a nanocarrier that can be used as a potent therapeutic carrier with targeting efficacy. The use of superparamagnetic nanoparticles in breast cancer research and treatment has gained considerable attention in recent years. Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) can be used to construct nanocarriers since they possess superior properties such as superparamagnetism, easy surface functionalization to attach ligands, and non-immunogenic. MNPs are superior carriers that are used to target cancer cells without harming the normal cells in the body, which leads to therapeutic efficacy in the body. Along with their established anticancer potential and enhanced drug concentration at endosomal pH, the superparamagnetic property of MNPs was further exploited for their applications in reticuloendothelial uptake, drug delivery, medical imaging, and theranostics applications in breast cancer. Moreover, the clinical translational of MNPs, along with future prospects and key challenges in vivo, have been duly presented in the final review. The scientists preferred the ongoing research in MNPs due to their high biocompatibility and ease of targeting at molecular and cellular levels. The review highlighted the in vitro and in vivo research and patent supported data for potential use of MNPs for the treatment of breast cancer.