Work

Light‐Activated Multifunctional Nanoplatforms: Reshaping Combination Therapy to Overcome Multidrug Resistance in Breast Cancer

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Multidrug resistance in breast cancer is asignificant clinical challenge that often leads to treatment failure and tumor recurrence. Light‐activated therapies such as photothermal and photodynamic therapies offer spatially and temporally controlled treatments with minimal invasiveness. However, their effectiveness is limited by the instability of conventional agents, hostile tumor microenvironment, and shallow tissue light penetration. The combination of these light‐based approaches with nanotechnology has enabled the development of multifunctional nanoplatforms capable of overcoming multidrug resistance. Through rational design and surface modification, these platforms can improve drug targeting, biocompatibility, and therapeutic outcomes. Smart nanosystems for the codelivery of light‐responsive agents and drugs promote enhanced tumor accumulation, controlled drug release, and integrated diagnostics and therapies. This review examines resistance mechanisms in breast cancer and discusses light‐based strategies, emphasizing the design of advanced photoactivated nanoplatforms, their material properties, and synergistic antitumor effects. These multifunctional nanosystems demonstrate considerable potential for overcoming biological barriers and enabling precise drug release and real‐time monitoring, indicating their strong prospects for clinical applications. Future challenges and directions for clinical translation have also been addressed.

Source: Small Structures

DOI: 10.1002/sstr.202500846