Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 5, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Emergent Nanotechnological Strategies for Systemic Chemotherapy against Melanoma
Jacinta Oliveira Pinho1, Mariana Matias2, Maria Manuela Gaspar3
1Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal. jopinho@ff.ulisboa.pt.
Abstract:
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer, being one of the deadliest cancers in the world. The current treatment options involve surgery, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and the use of chemotherapeutic agents. Although the last approach is the most used, the high toxicity and the lack of efficacy in advanced stages of the disease have demanded the search for novel bioactive molecules and/or efficient drug delivery systems. The current review aims to discuss the most recent advances on the elucidation of potential targets for melanoma treatment, such as aquaporin-3 and tyrosinase. In addition, the role of nanotechnology as a valuable strategy to effectively deliver selective drugs is emphasized, either incorporating/encapsulating synthetic molecules or natural-derived compounds in lipid-based nanosystems such as liposomes. Nanoformulated compounds have been explored for their improved anticancer activity against melanoma and promising results have been obtained. Indeed, they displayed improved physicochemical properties and higher accumulation in tumoral tissues, which potentiated the efficacy of the compounds in pre-clinical experiments. Overall, these experiments opened new doors for the discovery and development of more effective drug formulations for melanoma treatment.
Insights
Novel nanotechnology approaches enhance melanoma treatment by improving drug delivery and efficacy. This review explores new targets and nanoformulations for more effective cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer with limited treatment efficacy in advanced stages.
- Current therapies like chemotherapy have high toxicity and limited effectiveness.
- Novel therapeutic strategies and drug delivery systems are urgently needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in identifying potential melanoma treatment targets.
- To highlight the role of nanotechnology in delivering selective anti-melanoma drugs.
- To discuss the potential of nanoformulated compounds for improved melanoma treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on melanoma targets and nanotechnology.
- Analysis of studies on lipid-based nanosystems (e.g., liposomes) for drug delivery.
- Examination of pre-clinical data on nanoformulated compounds against melanoma.
Main Results:
- Emerging targets like aquaporin-3 and tyrosinase show therapeutic promise.
- Nanotechnology, particularly liposomes, enhances drug delivery and accumulation in tumors.
- Nanoformulated compounds demonstrate improved anti-cancer activity and efficacy in pre-clinical studies.
Conclusions:
- Nanotechnology offers a promising strategy for developing more effective melanoma treatments.
- Targeted drug delivery using nanosystems can overcome limitations of conventional therapies.
- Further research into nanoformulations holds potential for improved melanoma patient outcomes.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy