Nanocarrier functionalization strategies for targeted drug delivery in skin cancer therapy: current progress and upcoming challenges

ABSTRACT

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.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

KEYWORDS:

• Nanoparticles
• surface modification
• controlled release
• target delivery
• melanoma

Article highlights

• The development of targeted nanocarriers has the potential to significantly improve the effectiveness and safety of skin cancer treatments.

• Targeted nanocarriers can deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, minimizing damage to healthy cells and reducing side effects.

• Targeted nanocarriers may allow more precise and personalized treatment options, made on demand to individual patients based on their specific cancer type and genetic mutations.

• Challenges and limitations regarding the translation of preclinical results into clinical trials worldwide may be related to the cost, safety, efficacy, and regulatory aspects.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was funded by Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (001) and Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (19/17913-5, 2020/12622-0, 2019/25125-7)