Microneedle-based theranostics for melanoma: Advances and outlook

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dermatology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Melanoma is an aggressive cancer with challenges in diagnosis and treatment.
• Surgery is primary, but adjuvant therapies are crucial due to recurrence risks.
• Microneedles (MNs) offer precise drug delivery and biomarker extraction potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review microneedle (MN) classification and design strategies for melanoma.
• To summarize progress in nano-integrated MN platforms for melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
• To discuss challenges and future directions for MN clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of MN classification and advanced design strategies.
• Analysis of nano-integrated MN platforms for melanoma.
• Discussion of novel therapies, combination treatments, and clinical translation hurdles.

Main Results:

• MNs enable precise drug delivery and biomarker extraction from interstitial fluid (ISF).
• Nano-integrated MN platforms show promise for melanoma diagnosis and therapy.
• Combination treatments and novel MN designs offer synergistic potential.

Conclusions:

• Microneedles represent a promising platform for advanced melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
• Further research into large-scale manufacturing and regulatory pathways is needed for clinical translation.
• Future directions include AI integration and multi-stimuli responsive MN designs.