Dual drug-loaded nanofibrous scaffolds for targeting dormant breast cancer cells: design, mechanisms, and translational perspectives.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy among women worldwide. Recurrence associated with maintenance therapy may promote the development of multidrug resistance, while dormant breast cancer cells (DBCCs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) are inherently resistant to conventional therapies. These factors collectively contribute to late-stage relapse and metastasis. Nanofibers (NFs) have recently emerged as valuable platforms for formulating biomedical and healthcare applications, including tissue engineering, wound healing, and post-surgical cancer management. In particular, polymeric NFs fabricated via electrospinning and loaded with dual drugs have shown great promise for sustained and targeted delivery. This review discusses the development of dual-drug-releasing nanofibrous scaffolds designed for prolonged and localised delivery of cytotoxic agents directly to the tumor bed. Emphasis is placed on polymer selection, drug-loading strategies, and preclinical outcomes in the prevention of cancer recurrence. Furthermore, the review highlights the advantages of these therapies over conventional therapies, as well as relevant in vitro and in vivo evaluation models, regulatory considerations, Pathways, clinical translation prospects, and future directions. By bridging materials and pharmaceutical sciences, this article provides a comprehensive overview of how dual-drug-loaded NF scaffolds can redefine localised cytotoxic drug delivery and offer novel therapeutic strategies against DBCCs.