Targeting mitochondria in triple-negative breast cancer: Emerging therapeutic and drug development strategies.

Mitochondria are essential regulators of cell metabolism, apoptosis, and oxidative stress, rendering them critical targets for cancer therapy. This review systematically dissects the multifaceted roles of mitochondrial dysfunction in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), including its contributions to tumor initiation, progression, metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, and programmed cell death, as well as its communication with other organelles. We summarize the current landscape of mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies for TNBC, encompassing direct targeting of mitochondrial proteins, indirect modulation of mitochondrial function via signaling pathways, mitochondria-targeted modification, and drug combination regimens. Additionally, we examine emerging approaches such as nanoparticle delivery systems and clinical compounds with mitochondrial regulatory effects. This review aims to provide a comprehensive framework for advancing the development of more precise and effective mitochondria-targeted therapies against TNBC.