New insights in aptamer-targeted nanoliposomes for the treatment of breast cancer

Despite significant advances in understanding breast cancer pathogenesis and prognosis, it remains one of the most common causes of death for women worldwide. To develop a more selective and specific treatment strategy, the drug must be efficiently targeted to breast sites with a minimum amount of drug accumulation at other sites. A possible solution to this problem has been explored extensively in recent years using aptamers (chemical antibodies). Aptamers have a higher level of specificity and biocompatibility, making them an excellent candidate for the development of cancer-targeted therapies. In addition to their extraordinary benefits, aptamers are also reported to address tumor resistance as a result of their high specificity and minimal toxicity. Thus, aptamers are expected to play an important role in the development of new therapeutics in the future. This review summarizes recent advances in aptamer-based targeted nanoliposomes for the treatment of breast cancer. A market analysis of the global aptamer market is presented as part of an effort to understand the growing use of aptamers in academic and industrial research. In addition, we discuss the challenges and future potential associated with the use of nanoliposomes as an effective anti-breast cancer therapy.