An update on nanoparticle usage in breast cancer imaging

Abstract

Introduction:The objective of this literature review is to highlight both the recent promises of Nanoparticles (NPs) for breast imaging and potential solutions to the challenges that arise with using different types of NPs. Methods: We searched for key terms on PubMed including NPs, MRI, CT, and contrast agent (CA). We selected 57 articles published from 2012 to 2020 and discussed NP such as nanocarriers, titanium oxide tubes, and carbon nanotubes, as well as gold, gold-silver alloy, silver, magnetic, gadolinium dicarbide, allochroic, and calcium phosphate. Results: While early studies on NPs investigated their ability to target breast cancer stem cells, as well as enable the visualization of metastasis and deliver therapeutic agents with minimal toxicity, newer particles demonstrate a greater multifunctionality of NPs than previously thought. In this review, we use existing research to demonstrate the surprisingly broad range of applications of NPs with regards to breast cancer and imaging, which includes activating immune cells, identifying protein signatures for early-stage breast cancer, and ablating tumors through a laser irradiation-triggered photothermal effect. Conclusion:With the multifunctionality of NPs in mind and the challenges associated with imaging breast tissue, specifically mammographically dense breast tissue, the current knowledge of NPs should be reviewed for potential use in mammograms.

Classic and New Markers in Diagnostics and Classification of Breast Cancer

“…While passive targeting uses the above inherent physical properties, active nanocarriers further improve tumour-lineage specific targeting by using NPs with antibodies or ligands directed towards specific tumour antigens, e.g., anti-HER2 antibody-PEG liposomes targeting HER+ BC [ 91 ]. Inorganic, mostly metal based NPs with silver (Ag), platinum (Pt), gold (Au), Au–Ag alloy, Au–gadolinium (Gd) cores appeared to suitable contrast agents (CAs) that provide better signal-difference-to-noise-ratio over classical CAs (e.g., iodine based) when analysing BCs in naturally dense breast tissue using mammographic imaging techniques such as computed tomography (CT) (e.g., Ag Au NPs, near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) (e.g., Au and AgNPs) or contrast enhanced dual-energy mammography (DEM) (e.g., AuNPs) [ 92 ]. Metal NPs can also suppress tumour growth or completely eradicate the tumour tissue locally without systemic side effects.…”

“…Some NPs (e.g., iron oxide NPs, GdO 2 NPs, Au-coated Fe 3 O 4 NPs) show magnetic properties when used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Hyaluronan-modified magnetic nanoclusters (HA-MNCs) as active NPs can allocate CD44 in highly proliferative BC cells [ 92 ]. There are also limitations in their use as:…”