Recent advancements and translational potentials of MOF-based precision strategies for breast cancer therapy

INTRODUCTION: Effective diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for cancer remain limited by poor specificity, systemic toxicity, and biological barriers because of the heterogeneity of cancers. To overcome these obstacles, nanomedicines have been increasingly explored. Among the different nanoscale systems, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising platforms because of their ultra-high porosity, modular chemical composition, and tunable architecture by design. Moreover, MOFs can facilitate both drug release for cancer treatment and imaging through the combination of imaging agents and therapeutics. AREAS COVERED: A comprehensive review of the properties, benefits, and clinical trials of MOFs for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is lacking. We review the current status and advances of MOFs used for breast cancer diagnosis and drug delivery using publications primarily from PubMed through July 2026. We also discuss new strategies that take advantage of the unique physicochemical properties of MOFs for breast cancer theranostics. EXPERT OPINION: Multifunctional nanoplatforms based on MOFs have promise in revolutionizing precision oncology in breast cancer. With the ongoing developments in synthetic chemistry, bioengineering, and computer modeling, MOFs may represent resources for personalized therapeutics combining diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of response. Subsequent interdisciplinary investigations will be important in translating the preclinical findings into clinical applications.