# Metal–Organic Frameworks for Precision Phototherapy of Breast Cancer

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) can improve phototherapy for breast cancer by acting as precise drug carriers and treatment agents.

## Contribution

The paper introduces MOFs as a novel platform for precision phototherapy, combining PDT, PTT, and other synergistic therapies.

## Key findings

- MOFs can function as photosensitizers, photothermal agents, or multifunctional nanocarriers for breast cancer treatment.
- MOFs address limitations like hypoxia and poor light penetration in phototherapy.
- The paper highlights design strategies and therapeutic effects of MOFs in phototherapy.

## Abstract

Breast cancer remains the most common and leading cause of cancer deaths among women worldwide. The efficacy of conventional therapies is often hampered by off-target effects and multidrug resistance. Phototherapy, encompassing photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), has gained significant attention due to its non-invasiveness, high spatiotemporal selectivity, and minimal side effects. However, its application is hindered by several obstacles, including the tumor hypoxic microenvironment, insufficient light penetration depth, and acquired heat resistance. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have adjustable structures, enormous specific surfaces, and facile functionalization, providing an ideal platform to overcome these limitations. This review summarizes the latest research progress in the application of MOFs for precision phototherapy in breast cancer treatment. It emphasizes their role as a direct photosensitizer (PS), photothermal agent (PTA), or multifunctional nanocarrier for PDT, PTT, and synergistic phototherapy (including PDT/PTT, chemo/phototherapy, and immunotherapy/phototherapy). The design strategy and therapeutic effect of MOFs for phototherapy of breast cancer are critically discussed. In addition, the current bottlenecks and future perspectives are outlined to facilitate the clinical translation of MOF-based breast cancer treatment platforms.