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Nanocarrier functionalization strategies for targeted drug delivery in skin cancer therapy: current progress and
Leonardo Delello Di Filippo1, Mariana Carlomagno de Paula1, Jonatas Lobato Duarte1
1Department of Drugs and Medicines, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
Introduction:
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer worldwide, with increasing incidence rates in recent years. Although conventional chemotherapy and radiation therapy have been used for its treatment, these therapies have several limitations such as lack of selectivity and significant side effects. Targeted nanocarriers have emerged as a promising approach for the treatment of skin cancer.
Areas Covered:
This review article provides an overview of targeted nanocarriers for skin cancer treatment. It covers the various types of targeted nanocarriers, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles.
Expert Opinion:
There are still several challenges that need to be addressed before the clinical translation of targeted nanoparticles, such as optimization of their properties, development of reliable and robust characterization methods, and evaluation of their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Another key aspect for the advancement of these studies is the need to improve regulatory aspects related to the toxicity and regulation of nanomedicines targeting skin cancer. Overall, targeted nanocarriers hold great potential for the development of safe and effective treatments for skin cancer, which can contribute to a better prognosis and overall patients' life quality.
Insights
Targeted nanocarriers offer a promising alternative to conventional skin cancer treatments, addressing limitations like side effects and lack of selectivity. Further research into optimization, characterization, and regulation is crucial for clinical success.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Skin cancer is a prevalent global health concern with rising incidence.
- Conventional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy have significant limitations, including poor selectivity and adverse side effects.
- Targeted nanocarriers present a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for skin cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of targeted nanocarriers for skin cancer treatment.
- To discuss various types of nanocarriers utilized in skin cancer therapy.
- To highlight challenges and future directions for the clinical translation of nanomedicines in dermatology.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on targeted nanocarriers for skin cancer.
- Categorization of nanocarrier types: liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and inorganic nanoparticles.
- Analysis of challenges in clinical translation, including property optimization, characterization, safety, and regulatory aspects.
Main Results:
- Targeted nanocarriers demonstrate potential for improved selectivity and reduced side effects in skin cancer treatment.
- Various nanocarrier platforms have been explored, each with unique properties and applications.
- Significant challenges remain in optimizing nanocarrier performance, establishing robust characterization methods, and navigating regulatory pathways.
Conclusions:
- Targeted nanocarriers hold substantial promise for developing safer and more effective skin cancer treatments.
- Addressing challenges in optimization, characterization, and regulation is essential for successful clinical implementation.
- Advancements in nanomedicine can significantly improve patient prognosis and quality of life for skin cancer patients.
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