Advancements in nanoparticle-based treatment approaches for skin cancer therapy

Abstract

Skin cancer has emerged as the fifth most commonly reported cancer in the world, causing a burden on global health and the economy. The enormously rising environmental changes, industrialization, and genetic modification have further exacerbated skin cancer statistics. Current treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are facing several issues related to cost, toxicity, and bioavailability thereby leading to declined anti-skin cancer therapeutic efficacy and poor patient compliance. In the context of overcoming this limitation, several nanotechnological advancements have been witnessed so far. Among various nanomaterials, nanoparticles have endowed exorbitant advantages by acting as both therapeutic agents and drug carriers for the remarkable treatment of skin cancer. The small size and large surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles escalate the skin tumor uptake through their leaky vasculature resulting in enhanced therapeutic efficacy. In this context, the present review provides up to date information about different types and pathology of skin cancer, followed by their current treatment modalities and associated drawbacks. Furthermore, it meticulously discusses the role of numerous inorganic, polymer, and lipid-based nanoparticles in skin cancer therapy with subsequent descriptions of their patents and clinical trials. Graphical Abstract

Phototriggered Cytotoxicity of Ferrocene-Based Micelles – A Nonconventional Approach to Phototherapy

“…Indeed, blue light can penetrate skin up to a few mm, , fully covering the epidermis that constitutes the first layer of skin . Thus, skin diseases such as skin cancers or psoriasis, which are mainly developing in the epidermis, , are appealing targets. The ability of C 18 –Fc-PEG micelles to encapsulate and release a hydrophobic molecule upon illumination could provide additional therapeutic effects.…”

Mesoporous Materials Make Hydrogels More Powerful in Biomedicine

“…Antitumor platinum drugs have several drawbacks, such as high toxicity and acquired tumor resistance, limiting their long-term and high-dose administration. Mesoporous silica nanoparticles impregnated with platinum drugs were developed to diminish toxicity and increase anticancer effectiveness, which also opened the door for the active targeting of nanoparticles through various functionalization [ 115 ]. Mesoporous material modification and surface functionalization through hydrogels can achieve tumor targeting or micro-environmental stimulation responsiveness with significantly increased drug concentration at tumor sites.…”

Lipid-engineered nanotherapeutics for cancer management

“…In clinical anti-cancer use, some of these nanodrugs have demonstrated prolonged circulation time and increased plasma-half life, enhanced uptake in tumors, and improved efficacy with reduced off-site toxicity compared to conventional drug formulations. ( Loo et al, 2022 ; Zeng et al, 2023 ). There are many lipid-based nanoformulations that are currently in clinical trials spanning end times between 2023 and 2032, and Table 4 shows some examples of currently ongoing clinical trials.…”