CURCUMIN-LOADED POLY(1,8 OCTANEDIOL-CO-CITRATE) NANOPARTICLES AS A BREAST CANCER TREATMENT STRATEGY

Abstract

Breast cancer remains to be the leading cause of cancer deaths among women each year, accounting for approximately 32% of all new cancer cases each year. It is estimated that 1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Men also face the chance of a breast cancer diagnosis, with an estimated 2800 new cases each year. Current treatment options traditionally involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and targeted therapies, but these approaches often cause significant adverse side effects and drug resistance. Nutraceuticals, such as curcumin, resveratrol, and epigallocatechin gallate, are emerging as potential alternatives or synergistic agents, offering anticancer benefits with reduced toxicity. These bioactive compounds target key oncogenic pathways, inhibit metastasis, and enhance conventional therapies while mitigating harmful side effects. Developing nutraceutical therapies with nanoparticle-enhanced delivery systems could improve breast cancer outcomes through less toxic, more targeted treatments.