Metal–Organic Frameworks for Precision Phototherapy of Breast Cancer

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.