Selenium-Based Strategies for Targeting Multidrug-Resistant Breast Cancer: A Review

Breast cancer remains a major global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective anticancer strategies to overcome drug resistance and reduce the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Selenium-based therapies have demonstrated promising anticancer activity in various experimental models, including drug-resistant breast cancer cells. Selenium is an essential micronutrient required for the proper functioning of numerous biological processes in human cells. Selenoproteins play key roles in antioxidant defense, redox regulation, and immune system function. Selenium-containing compounds are characterized by high specificity, relatively low toxicity, and favorable cell membrane permeability, which supports their potential application in precision medicine. These compounds can inhibit cancer cell growth through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of redox balance, induction of apoptosis, and interference with signaling pathways involved in tumor progression. This review summarizes current knowledge on the mechanisms by which selenium compounds affect drug-resistant breast cancer cells, highlights key experimental findings, and discusses their potential use as adjuncts to conventional therapies.