Basal Cell Carcinoma: Pathology, Current Clinical Treatment, and Potential Use of Lipid Nanoparticles

Abstract

Skin cancer is the most common type of carcinoma diagnosed worldwide, with significant morbidity and mortality rates among Caucasians, in particular basal cell carcinoma (BCC). The main risk factors of BCC are well-identified, and there are many chemotherapeutic drugs available for its treatment. The effectiveness of therapeutic options is governed by several factors, including the location of the tumor, its size, and the presence of metastases (although rare for BCC). However, available treatments are based on non-targeted approaches, which encounter a significant risk of systemic toxicity in several organs. Site-specific chemotherapy for BCC has been proposed via the loading of anticancer drugs into nanoparticles. Among various types of nanoparticles, in this review, we focus on potential new regimens for the treatment of BCC using classical anticancer drugs loaded into novel lipid nanoparticles. To meet patient aesthetic expectations and enhance the effectiveness of basal cell carcinoma treatment, new therapeutic topical strategies are discussed, despite a limited number of reports available in the literature.

The top 100 most cited articles in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma over the last decade: A bibliometric analysis and review

“…[20] HPIs have risen as a significant treatment for locally advanced BCC (LaBCC) and metastatic BCC (mBCC). [18,25] LaBCC denotes the intricate scenario where a tumor either remains untreated for an extended period or persistently resists and recurs posttreatment, often leading to extensive tissue destruction that makes surgical or radiotherapeutic interventions impracticable. [1] A 2016 retrospective cohort analysis revealed that 0.8% of BCC patients suffer from LaBCC.…”