Current aspects of breast cancer therapy and diagnosis based on a nanocarrier approach

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Chemotherapy against breast carcinoma cells using nanocarriers directed to tumors is known as targeted therapy, and it provides a more specific therapy against cancer cells at the molecular level. Therefore, the use of nanocarriers is an advantageous therapeutic approach when compared to other cancer therapeutics. Over the years, it has become an enabling technology with potential for personalized cancer therapy, in which cancer cell detection, diagnosis, and therapy could be tailored to each individual tumors molecular profile because specific biomarkers could be used to predict disease progression and clinical outcomes. Here, we review nanosystems containing anticancer agents that are used for metastatic breast cancer in clinical practice, clinical trials, and research orientations. We also provide an overview of biomarkers used in metastatic breast cancer allowing for improved prognosis and therapy.