Intraductal delivery of nanocarriers for ductal carcinoma in situ treatment: a strategy to enhance localized delivery

Plain language summaryDuctal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) describes the most commonly occurring, noninvasive malignant breast disease, in which it could be the leading factor to invasive breast cancer. Mammography screening is often the diagnosis method in DCIS. The conventional treatment of DCIS includes breast-conserving surgery, medical treatment, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Various approaches are now actively investigated to overcome a number of drawbacks presented in conventional drug-delivery systems. Incorporation of nanocarriers in the drug-delivery system has portrayed certain benefits over the conventional therapy in DCIS where it promotes targeting in tumor cells, in which provision of the maximum therapeutic effects with minimal adverse effects are eventually achieved. With direct intraductal delivery, the drug accumulates at the site of action. Discovery on the intraductal route of administration has also been greatly implemented in managing other diseases. Ductal carcinoma in situ describes the most commonly occurring, noninvasive malignant breast disease, which could be the leading factor in invasive breast cancer. Despite remarkable advancements in treatment options, poor specificity, low bioavailability and dose-induced toxicity of chemotherapy are the main constraint. A unique characteristic of nanocarriers may overcome these problems. Moreover, the intraductal route of administration serves as an alternative approach. The direct nanodrug delivery into mammary ducts results in the accumulation of anticancer agents at targeted tissue for a prolonged period with high permeability, significantly decreasing the tumor size and improving the survival rate. This review focuses mainly on the intraductal delivery of nanocarriers in treating ductal carcinoma in situ, together with potential clinical translational research. Tweetable abstractIntraductal delivery of chemotherapeutics for the treatment of DCIS avoids systemic toxicity and greater therapeutic response.

Automated summary

Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is the most common noninvasive malignant breast disease, which may contribute to invasive breast cancer. Nanocarriers incorporated in the drug-delivery system offer advantages over conventional therapy, promoting targeted treatment and minimizing adverse effects. Direct intraductal delivery allows drug accumulation at the site of action, and this approach has also been applied in managing other diseases.