Advanced nanoplatforms for oxaliplatin-based breast cancer therapy: targeted delivery, stimuli-responsive design, and translational challenges.

Breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and the leading cause of cancer-related death among women worldwide, with 2.3 million new cases and over 685,000 deaths annually, accounting for 12.5% of all cancers and 16% of female cancer mortality. Conventional chemotherapeutic regimens, though effective, are limited by systemic toxicity, multidrug resistance, and poor tumor selectivity. This review aims to critically evaluate recent advances in nanotechnology-driven oxaliplatin delivery systems for breast cancer, emphasizing nanocarrier design, targeting strategies, and stimuli-responsive release. Oxaliplatin, a third-generation platinum analogue, exhibits potent cytotoxicity but suffers from neurotoxicity and unfavorable pharmacokinetics. Recent advancements in nanotechnology have enabled the development of oxaliplatin-loaded nanocarriers that enhance tumor accumulation, enable pH- or redox-responsive release, and improve therapeutic efficacy. Polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, lipid hybrids, and metallic platforms have demonstrated superior apoptosis induction, tumor growth inhibition, and reduced nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity in preclinical breast cancer models, particularly triple-negative subtypes. Moreover, emerging multifunctional and stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms integrate imaging, targeting, and combination therapy for precision oncology. Despite promising outcomes, clinical translation is hindered by formulation instability, heterogenous biodistribution, and regulatory constraints. Future directions emphasize AI-assisted nanoparticle design, personalized nanomedicine, and synergistic chemo-immunotherapeutic strategies. The oxaliplatin nanocarriers represent a transformative step toward safer, more targeted, and effective platinum-based chemotherapy in breast cancer management.