Outcomes of Virus-like Particle-based Therapies in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review

Virus-like particles (VLPs) are emerging nanostructures that mimic the structure of native viruses while lacking viral genetic material, making them safe and highly adaptable platforms for drug and gene delivery. Their unique physical characteristics and capacity for surface modification have attracted considerable attention for their applications in cancer therapy. This systematic review aimed to evaluate therapeutic outcomes of VLP-based approaches in human breast cancer models. A literature search was carried out in PubMed and Scopus databases to identify studies investigating the therapeutic use of VLPs in breast cancer. Screening was performed focusing on experimental studies utilizing human breast cancer models. Extracted information included study characteristics, type of VLP platform, therapeutic strategy, and reported outcomes. In addition, study design, use of experimental controls, outcome assessment, and reporting transparency were described. Six studies that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were selected. The studies used different VLP platforms (hepatitis B virus [HBV], bacteriophage P22, adeno-associated virus, hepatitis C virus [HCV], and polyoma virus-derived particles). Main therapeutic methods included targeted drug delivery, gene or nucleic-acid delivery, and multifunctional enzyme-based nano-therapies. Results showed favorable effects of VLP-based systems in breast cancer therapy, such as enhanced intracellular delivery of drugs, cytotoxic effects, inhibition of tumor cell invasion, and increased sensitivity to tamoxifen. In conclusion, VLP-based platforms showed promising effects in breast cancer therapy; however, the results are limited to laboratory studies. Future clinical studies would be necessary to confirm the potential of VLP-based approaches in breast cancer therapy.