Gold Nanoparticle–Trastuzumab Conjugates for HER2‐Positive Breast Cancer Treatment: Developments in Radionuclide Therapy, Multimodal Imaging, and Combination Strategies

ABSTRACT

This work comprehensively examines recent advances in the treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)‐positive breast cancer using trastuzumab‐conjugated gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). By analyzing several pivotal studies, it explores how these nanoplatforms enhance therapeutic specificity and efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity. This work is organized into three main categories. The first section highlights radionuclide‐based targeted radiotherapy, where AuNPs are functionalized with various radionuclides such as ¹¹¹ In, ¹⁷⁷ Lu, ²¹¹ At, and ¹⁹⁸ Au, to deliver localized radiation that induces DNA damage selectively in cancer cells. Quantitative analysis across these studies reveals that targeted AuNPs can achieve tumor‐to‐normal tissue uptake ratios significantly higher than non‐targeted controls. The second section focuses on multimodal imaging‐guided theranostic platforms that integrate diagnostic imaging and therapy into a single system. Here, advanced constructs facilitate real‐time tracking and treatment through techniques like photoacoustic imaging, CT, and MRI. The third section explores combination therapies and enhanced targeting strategies, emphasizing platforms that merge photothermal effects (achieving intratumoral temperatures >42°C), chemotherapy, and novel targeting methods to overcome resistance and improve treatment outcomes. As a result, the strategic design of trastuzumab‐conjugated AuNPs holds promise for more effective, personalized, and less toxic treatments for HER2‐positive breast cancer.