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Published on: April 26, 2016
Enhanced Skin Penetration and Efficacy: First and Second Generation Lipoidal Nanocarriers in Skin Cancer Therapy
Palak Sharma1, Shreya Kaul2, Neha Jain3
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, 201301, Noida, India.
Abstract:
Skin carcinoma remains one of the most widespread forms of cancer, and its global impact continues to increase. Basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma are three kinds of cutaneous carcinomas depending upon occurrence and severity. The invasive nature of skin cancer, the limited effectiveness of current therapy techniques, and constraints to efficient systems for drug delivery are difficulties linked with the treatment of skin carcinoma. In the present era, the delivery of drugs has found a new and exciting horizon in the realm of nanotechnology, which presents inventive solutions to the problems posed by traditional therapeutic procedures for skin cancer management. Lipid-based nanocarriers like solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers have attracted a substantial focus in recent years owing to their capability to improve the drug's site-specific delivery, enhancing systemic availability, and thus its effectiveness. Due to their distinct structural and functional characteristics, these nanocarriers can deliver a range of medications, such as peptides, nucleic acids, and chemotherapeutics, via different biological barriers, such as the skin. In this review, an effort was made to present the mechanism of lipid nanocarrier permeation via cancerous skin. In addition, recent research advances in lipid nanocarriers have also been discussed with the help of in vitro cell lines and preclinical studies. Being a nano size, their limitations and toxicity aspects in living systems have also been elaborated.
Insights
Lipid-based nanocarriers offer advanced solutions for skin cancer treatment by improving drug delivery and effectiveness. This review explores their mechanisms, recent advances, and limitations for treating skin carcinoma.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Skin carcinoma, including basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, presents significant global health challenges.
- Current treatments for skin cancer face limitations in efficacy and drug delivery systems.
- Nanotechnology offers innovative solutions for overcoming these therapeutic challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of lipid nanocarrier permeation through cancerous skin.
- To discuss recent advancements in lipid nanocarriers for skin cancer therapy.
- To elaborate on the limitations and toxicity aspects of nanocarriers in biological systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on lipid nanocarriers for skin cancer treatment.
- Analysis of in vitro cell line studies.
- Evaluation of preclinical studies on nanocarrier efficacy and safety.
Main Results:
- Lipid nanocarriers, such as solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, enhance site-specific drug delivery and systemic availability.
- These nanocarriers can effectively deliver various drugs (peptides, nucleic acids, chemotherapeutics) across skin barriers.
- Recent studies show promising results in vitro and in preclinical models for skin cancer management.
Conclusions:
- Lipid nanocarriers represent a promising frontier in skin cancer therapy, addressing limitations of traditional treatments.
- Further research into their mechanisms, efficacy, and safety profiles is crucial for clinical translation.
- Understanding nanocarrier permeation and potential toxicity is essential for developing effective and safe skin cancer treatments.

