Radionuclide-based nanotechnologies in triple-negative breast cancer: current evidence and future perspectives

Abstract Purpose Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a challenging malignancy characterized by aggressive progression and limited therapeutic options. The absence of hormone and HER2 receptors in TNBC recalls the need for innovative diagnostics and treatment strategies. Nanoparticle-based technologies functionalized with radionuclides represent a promising frontier for molecular imaging and therapy. Methods A literature review was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases, focusing on radionuclide-based nanotechnologies in TNBC for molecular imaging (SPECT and PET modalities) and therapeutic applications. The selected studies were categorized into three thematic areas: SPECT imaging, PET imaging, and therapeutic applications. Results A total of 20 studies highlighted the potential of nanotechnologies for TNBC targeted imaging and therapy. SPECT-based approaches demonstrated advancements in specificity and tumor penetration, while PET modalities, using radionuclides like zirconium-89 and copper-64, showed high spatial resolution and good translational potential. Innovative therapeutic platforms like gold nanoparticles and biodegradable carriers, labeled with β-emitters, yielded promising results. Conclusions Radionuclide-functionalized nanoparticles exhibit significant potential for TNBC diagnostics and therapy. However, challenges such as biodistribution, long-term toxicity, and radiopharmaceutical availability need to be addressed. Future research should focus on optimizing these technologies for clinical translation, emphasizing multimodal approaches and fostering international collaboration.