Microneedles Drug Delivery Systems for Treatment of Cancer: A Recent Update

Abstract

Microneedles (MNs) are tiny needle like structures used in drug delivery through layers of the skin. They are non-invasive and are associated with significantly less or no pain at the site of administration to the skin. MNs are excellent in delivering both small and large molecules to the subjects in need thereof. There exist several strategies for drug delivery using MNs, wherein each strategy has its pros and cons. Research in this domain lead to product development and commercialization for clinical use. Additionally, several MN-based products are undergoing clinical trials to evaluate its safety, efficacy, and tolerability. The present review begins by providing bird’s-eye view about the general characteristics of MNs followed by providing recent updates in the treatment of cancer using MNs. Particularly, we provide an overview of various aspects namely: anti-cancerous MNs that work based on sensor technology, MNs for treatment of breast cancer, skin carcinoma, prostate cancer, and MNs fabricated by additive manufacturing or 3 dimensional printing for treatment of cancer. Further, the review also provides limitations, safety concerns, and latest updates about the clinical trials on MNs for the treatment of cancer. Furthermore, we also provide a regulatory overview from the “United States Food and Drug Administration” about MNs.

Formulation Development, Characterization and Antifungal Evaluation of Chitosan NPs for Topical Delivery of Voriconazole In Vitro and Ex Vivo

“…The administration and termination of the drug over the skin facilitates both in the management of systemic and topical disorders [ 13 ]. The topical administration of a drug is a painless technique and a perfect route for the management of those disorders that require long-term therapy, e.g., chronic pain [ 14 ]. Hepatic first-pass metabolism can also be prevented [ 15 ].…”

Development and Characterization of PEGDA Microneedles for Localized Drug Delivery of Gemcitabine to Treat Inflammatory Breast Cancer

“…Post insertion into the layers of skin and depending on the type of strategy employed the MNs interact with the interstitial fluid and dissolves to release the drug into the layers of epidermis or upper dermis [ 32 , 35 ]. The present study employed ‘coat and poke’ strategy, wherein the coating formulation is diffused from the surface of MNs into the layers of the skin [ 2 ]. Nonetheless, uniformity in coating is critical for effective drug delivery.…”

“…Generally speaking, MNs are nothing but small needle like structures that cause little or no pain at the site of administration for drug delivery via layers of the skin. They were first conceived and developed in 1957 by Harvey Kravitz and Norman Letvin as a means for vaccination [ 2 ]. As a consequence, this concept evolved over a period of time to deliver various active substances for diverse disease conditions.…”

Microneedle-Based Natural Polysaccharide for Drug Delivery Systems (DDS): Progress and Challenges

“…In this example, doxorubicin, valrubicin, epirubicin, idarubicin and other known anthracycline agents have been utilized for the treatment of skin cancer [121]. Patent No CN106426729A highlighted that cellulose microneedles are not only used for gene delivery but are also applicable for the delivery of anti-cancerous agents [122,123]. Yong-Hun Park et al fabricated a microneedle for transdermal delivery by laser writing and replica molding processes.…”