Multifunctional metal-organic frameworks: next-generation nanovehicles for breast cancer detection

초록

Breast cancer, a leading global health concern affecting millions of individuals annually, faces significant treatment challenges due to the limitations of conventional chemotherapy, including systemic toxicity, multidrug resistance, and non-selectivity. Advances in targeted therapies, such as hormone receptor inhibitors and gene-based approaches, have underscored the shift toward precision medicine. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have proven to be transformative tools within this paradigm, offering dual utility in cancer biomarker detection. Their adjustable porosity, ample surface topology and functional adaptability enable precise molecular interactions, thereby enhancing both sensing accuracy and therapeutic efficacy. This review comprehensively analyzes MOF-based sensors including colorimetric, electrochemical, fluorescent, and microfluidic platforms for early cancer diagnosis through biomarker detection (e.g., proteins, DNA, exosomes). These sensors leverage the structural and chemical versatility of MOFs to achieve selective biomarker recognition, often without requiring biorecognition elements, thus simplifying detection. By bridging advanced sensing and therapeutic functions, MOFs represent a paradigm shift in breast cancer management. The multifunctional nature of these agents underscores their potential to overcome traditional therapeutic limitations, paving the way for personalized, effective, and minimally invasive strategies. This review highlights recent advancements, challenges, and future directions in applying MOFs as pivotal innovations in oncology research and practice.

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