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Transferosomes as Advanced Nanocarriers for Enhanced Drug Delivery in Skin Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review
Kateryna Mykhailivna Doroshenko1, Oleksandr Noval Shevchenko2
1Department of Chemistry, Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Kyiv, 01601, Ukraine.
Abstract:
Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, posing significant challenges to effective treatment due to limited drug penetration, systemic toxicity, and patient non-compliance. Transferosomes, a class of ultra-deformable vesicular carriers, have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome the skin barrier and improve topical and transdermal drug delivery. This review discusses the structural composition, preparation techniques, and physicochemical properties of transferosomes, emphasizing their unique mechanism of skin penetration. We summarize current research on transferosome-based formulations for delivering chemotherapeutics, photosensitizers, and natural bioactives targeting various skin cancers, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. Comparative analyses highlight the advantages of transferosomes over conventional vesicular systems such as liposomes and niosomes, including improved skin permeability, enhanced drug retention, and reduced systemic toxicity. Preclinical and limited clinical studies demonstrate their potential in achieving localized and sustained anticancer effects. Challenges related to formulation stability, large-scale production, and clinical translation are discussed, along with emerging approaches such as ligand functionalization and microneedle-assisted delivery. Collectively, transferosomes represent a versatile and effective nanocarrier system that holds great promise for improving the therapeutic outcomes of skin cancer treatment.
Insights
Transferosomes enhance drug delivery for skin cancer treatment by overcoming skin barriers. These ultra-deformable vesicles improve topical and transdermal delivery, offering a promising approach for effective cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Skin cancer presents treatment challenges due to poor drug penetration and systemic toxicity.
- Conventional drug delivery systems often fail to effectively target skin malignancies.
- Transferosomes offer a novel solution for enhanced topical and transdermal drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the structure, preparation, and properties of transferosomes for skin cancer treatment.
- To summarize research on transferosome-based delivery of anticancer agents.
- To compare transferosomes with other vesicular systems for skin cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on transferosome formulation and application in skin cancer.
- Analysis of transferosome characteristics, including skin penetration mechanisms.
- Comparative evaluation of transferosomes against liposomes and niosomes.
- Summary of preclinical and clinical data on transferosome efficacy.
Main Results:
- Transferosomes demonstrate superior skin permeability and enhanced drug retention compared to conventional vesicles.
- Formulations show potential for localized and sustained delivery of chemotherapeutics, photosensitizers, and natural bioactives.
- Preclinical and limited clinical studies indicate reduced systemic toxicity and improved therapeutic outcomes.
- Ligand functionalization and microneedle-assisted delivery are emerging strategies to further optimize transferosome performance.
Conclusions:
- Transferosomes are versatile nanocarriers with significant promise for improving skin cancer treatment.
- They offer advantages in overcoming skin barrier limitations and enhancing drug efficacy.
- Further research and clinical translation are needed to fully realize their therapeutic potential.
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