Nucleic Acid and Drug Dual Agent Nanoplatforms for Breast Cancer

Background: Breast cancer is among the most common cancers affecting women. Besides attempting to develop novel anticancer drugs, intense research is focused on improving the efficacy of existing drugs with the aid of nanoparticles. Other options are presented through gene therapy in which nucleic acids function as therapeutic agents. This too is reliant upon nanostructures for faithful introduction into tumor cells. Studies have shown that simultaneous introduction of nucleic acids and chemotherapeutic agents can produce synergistic antitumor effects. This report was aimed at reviewing nanoplatforms for the co-delivery of nucleic acids and neoplastic agents in the treatment of breast cancer. Methods: A broad literature survey was conducted spanning 2010 to 2021 using Google Scholar. Key words and terms used in the search included breast cancer; nucleic acid and drug co-delivery; siRNA drug co-delivery breast cancer; shRNA co-delivery breast cancer; miRNA co-delivery breast cancer; and DNA drug co-delivery breast cancer; among others. Results: In an attempt to meet the challenges of dual agent delivery which include stable incorporation of both therapeutic agents, avoiding early release and degradation, evasion of the reticuloendothelial system (RES), and avoiding an immune response and non-specific effects in non-target cells, several multifunctional nanodevices have been explored. These have been based on organic and inorganic nanomaterials which include lipids, polymers, peptides, proteins, mesoporous silica, gold, carbon, and magnetic materials. Common design motifs encompass cancer cell targeting ligands, poly(ethylene) glycol for stability, and pH- and redox-sensitive moieties for controlled release. Physical methods have also been investigated to promote deposition of therapeutic agents at tumor sites. Conclusion: Overall, research into the application of dual agent nanotherapeutics for breast cancer has demonstrated encouraging results with respect to attenuating drug resistance, reducing metastases, and treating recalcitrant triple-negative breast cancer. The advent of a clinically viable breast cancer combination therapy is thus eagerly anticipated.