Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients
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Background: Polymeric nanoparticles are being investigated as drug-delivery systems for breast cancer because of their potential to modify drug release and distribution, although clinical evidence remains limited. Objective: To evaluate tumor response, treatment-emergent adverse effects, and short-term clinical outcomes among breast cancer patients receiving PLGA-based polymeric nanoparticle chemotherapy. Methods: A prospective observational pilot study included 40 women with stage II or III breast cancer treated at selected oncology centers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Tumor response was assessed clinically and radiologically, adverse events were documented during treatment, and vital status was recorded during follow-up. Descriptive statistics and 95% confidence intervals were used to summarize outcomes. Results: Mean age was 49.6 ± 9.8 years. Complete response occurred in 5 patients (12.5%) and partial response in 24 (60.0%), producing an objective response rate of 72.5% (95% CI 57.2–83.9). Disease control was observed in 92.5% (95% CI 80.1–97.4). Tumor-size reduction of ≥25% occurred in 72.5% of patients. Mild nausea/vomiting occurred in 35.0%, fatigue in 32.5%, neutropenia in 17.5%, severe anemia in 7.5%, and toxicity-related hospitalization in 5.0%. At the end of documented follow-up, 36 patients were alive and four had died from disease-related causes. Conclusion: The cohort demonstrated measurable tumor responses and a clinically describable tolerability profile following nanoparticle-based chemotherapy; however, the uncontrolled pilot design does not establish comparative effectiveness, reduced toxicity, direct tumor-targeting efficiency, or long-term survival benefit
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