Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements in Nanoparticle Technology for Drug Delivery and Immunotherapy
Published on: November 10, 2023
Advancements in nanoparticle-based treatment approaches for skin cancer therapy
Leli Zeng1, B H Jaswanth Gowda2, Mohammed Gulzar Ahmed2
1Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China.
Abstract:
Skin cancer has emerged as the fifth most commonly reported cancer in the world, causing a burden on global health and the economy. The enormously rising environmental changes, industrialization, and genetic modification have further exacerbated skin cancer statistics. Current treatment modalities such as surgery, radiotherapy, conventional chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy are facing several issues related to cost, toxicity, and bioavailability thereby leading to declined anti-skin cancer therapeutic efficacy and poor patient compliance. In the context of overcoming this limitation, several nanotechnological advancements have been witnessed so far. Among various nanomaterials, nanoparticles have endowed exorbitant advantages by acting as both therapeutic agents and drug carriers for the remarkable treatment of skin cancer. The small size and large surface area to volume ratio of nanoparticles escalate the skin tumor uptake through their leaky vasculature resulting in enhanced therapeutic efficacy. In this context, the present review provides up to date information about different types and pathology of skin cancer, followed by their current treatment modalities and associated drawbacks. Furthermore, it meticulously discusses the role of numerous inorganic, polymer, and lipid-based nanoparticles in skin cancer therapy with subsequent descriptions of their patents and clinical trials.
Insights
Nanotechnology offers new hope for skin cancer treatment. Nanoparticles improve drug delivery and efficacy, overcoming limitations of current therapies for this widespread disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Skin cancer is the fifth most common cancer globally, posing significant health and economic challenges.
- Current treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy face issues with cost, toxicity, and bioavailability.
- Environmental changes and industrialization are increasing skin cancer incidence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current skin cancer treatments and their limitations.
- To explore the role of nanotechnology, specifically nanoparticles, in advancing skin cancer therapy.
- To discuss various nanoparticle types, their mechanisms, and clinical applications.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of skin cancer pathology and treatment modalities.
- Analysis of nanotechnological advancements in cancer therapy.
- Examination of inorganic, polymer, and lipid-based nanoparticles for skin cancer treatment.
- Review of relevant patents and clinical trials.
Main Results:
- Nanoparticles offer enhanced therapeutic efficacy due to their size and surface area, improving tumor uptake.
- Various nanoparticle formulations (inorganic, polymer, lipid-based) show promise in preclinical and clinical studies.
- Nanoparticles can act as both therapeutic agents and drug delivery systems for skin cancer.
Conclusions:
- Nanoparticles represent a significant advancement in overcoming the limitations of conventional skin cancer treatments.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to fully realize the potential of nanoparticle-based therapies.
- Nanotechnology holds promise for more effective and targeted skin cancer treatment strategies.
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
01:30Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...