Work

Targeting TNBC : core–shell polycationic polyurea dendrimers with inherent anticancer activity

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Breast carcinoma (BC) is the most common malignancy in women, with triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) making up 10–20% of cases. TNBC has limited targeted therapies and poor survival due to late diagnosis and metastasis. Dendrimers are precise nanostructures with a three‐dimensional globular architecture designed to target the negatively charged membranes of cancer cells. This study evaluated the anticancer potential of two novel core–shell polycationic polyurea (PURE) dendrimers, PURE G4 ‐OEI 48 and PURE G4 ‐OCEI 24 , targeting BC cell membranes. Both dendrimers selectively interacted with TNBC cells, inducing apoptosis, necroptosis, and ferroptosis. In vivo , they reduced tumor volume in HCC1806 xenografts, with PURE G4 ‐OEI 48 showing no toxicity, while PURE G4 ‐OCEI 24 induced mild hepatic toxicity. These results suggest PURE dendrimers are promising TNBC treatments, with further modifications needed to enhance efficacy and reduce toxicity.

Source: FEBS Open Bio

DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.70144