Therapeutic Potential of Graphene Nanoparticles in Breast Cancer: Insights from the Past Ten Years

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women all over the world and its prevention is still a challenge. There are various systemic and local therapies used in the treatment of breast cancer. These therapies, including chemotherapy, endocrine treatment, and tissue-targeted therapies, complement definitive local treatments including surgery or radiation, leading to a significant reduction in both cancer recurrence and disease-related mortality. However, traditional cancer therapies are limited in their specificity and systemic toxicity. In this scenario, nanomaterials may prove to be valuable in providing effective cancer treatments, while reducing unwanted side effects and providing precise diagnosis. Graphene nanoparticles and its derivative reduced graphene oxides (RGO), which belong to a category of carbon nanomaterial, have captured significant interest for their matchless utility as fundamental components in breast cancer treatment. This review focuses on different types of graphene-based nanomaterials which exhibit significant potential in drug delivery applications due to their unique properties, including high drug-loading capacity, pH-dependent release, and enhanced cellular uptake. A thorough search of a bibliographic database during the last decade (2013-2023), was conducted to find the research articles focused on nanotechnology using graphene for cancer treatments to gather the relevant information.