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Recent advances in targeted nanoparticles drug delivery to melanoma
Jun Li1, Yujue Wang1, Ruijing Liang2
1Department of Dermatology, Affiliated Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST), Wuhan 430022, PR China.
Abstract:
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive skin cancers, notorious for its high multidrug resistance and low survival rate. Conventional therapies (e.g., dacarbazine, interferon-alpha-2b and interleukin-2) are limited by low response rate and demonstrate no overall survival benefit. Novel targeted therapies (e.g., vemurafenib, dabrafenib and trametinib) have higher initial response rate and clear impact on the overall survival, but relapse usually occurs within 6 to 9 months. Although immunotherapy (e.g., ipilimumab, pembrolizumab and nivolumab) can achieve long-term and durable response, rate of adverse events is extremely high. With the development of nanotechnology, the applications of nanocarriers are widely expected to change the landscape of melanoma therapy for foreseeable future. In this review, we will relate recent advances in the application of multifunctional nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery to melanoma, in melanoma nanotheranostics and combination therapy, and nanopharmaceutical associated melanoma clinical trials, followed by challenges and perspectives. From the clinical editor: The team of authors describes the current treatment regimes of malignant melanoma emphasizing the importance of achieving a better efficacy and the need to develop a better understanding of melanoma tumorigenesis.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers promising advancements in melanoma treatment, addressing limitations of conventional therapies, targeted drugs, and immunotherapies. Multifunctional nanocarriers are key to improving melanoma drug delivery, nanotheranostics, and combination therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanomedicine
- Dermatology
Background:
- Melanoma exhibits high multidrug resistance and low survival rates.
- Current therapies like chemotherapy, targeted drugs, and immunotherapy have significant limitations including low efficacy, rapid relapse, and severe adverse events.
- There is a critical need for improved melanoma treatment strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in applying multifunctional nanocarriers for melanoma treatment.
- To discuss nanocarrier applications in targeted drug delivery, nanotheranostics, and combination therapy for melanoma.
- To explore nanopharmaceutical clinical trials and future perspectives in melanoma therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on nanocarrier applications in melanoma therapy.
- Analysis of recent developments in targeted drug delivery systems.
- Examination of nanotheranostics and combination therapy approaches.
- Assessment of nanopharmaceutical clinical trials in melanoma.
Main Results:
- Nanocarriers show potential for targeted drug delivery, improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Multifunctional nanocarriers are being developed for advanced melanoma nanotheranostics and combination therapies.
- Several nanopharmaceutical agents are in clinical trials for melanoma treatment.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology, particularly multifunctional nanocarriers, holds significant promise for revolutionizing melanoma therapy.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the potential of nanomedicine in combating melanoma.
- Nanocarriers offer a pathway to overcome existing treatment challenges and improve patient outcomes.
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