Microneedles: structure, classification, and application in oral cancer theranostics

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Oral cancer poses a significant global health challenge, with current treatments like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy causing substantial quality of life impacts due to systemic side effects.
• Optimizing oral cancer treatment necessitates efficient, localized delivery of antineoplastic drugs or photosensitizers to enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the structure, characteristics, and preparation methods of microneedles (MNs) as an emerging drug delivery system.
• To summarize the current applications of MNs in various cancer treatments, with a focus on oral cancer.
• To outline the future potential and perspectives of MNs in advancing oral cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of microneedle structures, types, and fabrication techniques.
• Survey of existing research on microneedle applications in cancer treatment, including oral cancer.
• Analysis of microneedles' advantages for localized drug delivery.

Main Results:

• Microneedles (MNs) are characterized by their efficiency, convenience, and non-invasive nature for localized drug delivery.
• Various MN types and preparation methods are available, offering versatility for different therapeutic agents.
• Current research indicates significant potential for MNs in diverse cancer treatment modalities.

Conclusions:

• Microneedles represent a highly promising drug delivery system for localized oral cancer treatment.
• MNs offer a viable strategy to improve therapeutic outcomes by enabling efficient and targeted delivery of anti-cancer agents.
• The future applications of microneedles in oral oncology are extensive and warrant further investigation.