Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 14, 2025
Author Spotlight: Innovative Cancer Therapies with Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Glioblastoma Treatment
Published on: September 27, 2024
Use of Nanoparticles in Delivery of Nucleic Acids for Melanoma Treatment
Mohammad A Obeid1, Alaa A A Aljabali2, Meriem Rezigue2
1Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan. m.obeid@yu.edu.jo.
Abstract:
Melanoma accounts for 4% of all skin cancer malignancies, with only 14% of diagnosed patients surviving for more than 5 years after diagnosis. Until now, there is no clear understanding of the detailed molecular contributors of melanoma pathogenesis. Accordingly, more research is needed to understand melanoma development and prognosis.All the treatment approaches that are currently applied have several significant limitations that prevent effective use in melanoma. One major limitation in the treatment of cancer is the acquisition of multidrug resistance (MDR). The MDR results in significant treatment failure and poor clinical outcomes in several cancers, including skin cancer. Treatment of melanoma is especially retarded by MDR. Despite the current advances in targeted and immune-mediated therapy, treatment arms of melanoma are severely limited and stand as a significant clinical challenge. Further, the poor pharmacokinetic profile of currently used chemotherapeutic agents is another reason for treatment failure. Therefore, more research is needed to develop novel drugs and carrier tools for more effective and targeted treatment.Nucleic acid therapy is based on nucleic acids or chemical compounds that are closely related, such as antisense oligonucleotides, aptamers, and small-interfering RNAs that are usually used in situations when a specific gene implicated in a disorder is deemed a therapeutically beneficial target for inhibition. However, the proper application for nucleic acid therapies is hampered by the development of an effective delivery system that can maintain their stability in the systemic circulation and enhance their uptake by the target cells. In this chapter, the prognosis of the different types of melanoma along with the currently used medications is highlighted, and the different types of nucleic acids along with the currently available nanoparticle systems for delivering these nucleic acids into melanoma cells are discussed. We also discuss recently conducted research on the use of different types of nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery into melanoma cells and highlight the most significant outcomes.
Insights
Melanoma treatment faces challenges due to multidrug resistance and poor drug delivery. Nucleic acid therapies show promise, but effective nanoparticle delivery systems are crucial for targeting melanoma cells and improving outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oncology and Molecular Biology
- Biotechnology and Nanomedicine
Background:
- Melanoma is a deadly skin cancer with poor survival rates and limited treatment options.
- Multidrug resistance (MDR) and poor pharmacokinetics of current therapies hinder effective melanoma treatment.
- Understanding melanoma's molecular pathogenesis is crucial for developing better therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current melanoma treatment limitations and the potential of nucleic acid therapy.
- To discuss nanoparticle-based delivery systems for nucleic acids in melanoma treatment.
- To highlight recent advancements in nanoparticle-mediated nucleic acid delivery for melanoma.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of melanoma prognosis, current treatments, and nucleic acid therapies.
- Analysis of various nanoparticle systems for nucleic acid delivery into melanoma cells.
- Discussion of recent research on nanoparticle applications in melanoma treatment.
Main Results:
- Current melanoma treatments are limited by multidrug resistance and poor drug delivery.
- Nucleic acid therapies offer targeted inhibition but require effective delivery systems.
- Nanoparticle systems are being developed to enhance stability and cellular uptake of nucleic acids in melanoma.
Conclusions:
- Novel drug delivery systems, particularly nanoparticles, are essential for advancing nucleic acid therapy in melanoma.
- Further research into targeted nanoparticle delivery is critical for overcoming melanoma treatment challenges.
- Developing effective delivery tools will improve the efficacy of nucleic acid-based melanoma treatments.
