A Comprehensive Review on Breast Cancer

Abstract

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women worldwide. Its complex molecular heterogeneity, diverse clinical presentation, and therapeutic resistance continue to pose significant challenges to effective disease management. Advances in molecular biology and precision oncology have substantially improved the understanding of breast cancer pathogenesis, enabling earlier diagnosis and the development of personalized treatment strategies. This review summarizes the current knowledge on breast cancer, including its epidemiology, anatomy and biology, etiological factors, molecular pathogenesis, diagnostic approaches, and clinically relevant biomarkers. It further discusses established therapeutic modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, while highlighting recent advances in antibody-drug conjugates, PARP inhibitors, nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems, artificial intelligence, and precision medicine. These emerging therapeutic approaches have demonstrated considerable potential in improving treatment efficacy, reducing systemic toxicity, and overcoming drug resistance. Despite these advances, tumor heterogeneity, metastatic progression, and treatment resistance remain major barriers to achieving optimal clinical outcomes. Continued research focusing on biomarker discovery, molecular profiling, and innovative therapeutic strategies is essential for advancing personalized breast cancer management and improving patient survival and quality of life.