Application of Nanotechnology as a Novel Approach to the Treatment of Skin Cancer

Abstract

Skin cancer has become the fifth most frequently reported form of cancer worldwide, imposing significant economic and public health challenges. Over the course of the last ten years, there has been a significant increase in the application of Nanoparticles (NPs) as a method of therapeutic administration to target skin cancer. The information has been gathered from many online databases, such as Scopus, Pubmed, Science Direct, and Web of Science, among others. An analysis of research articles that focused on the therapeutic effect of nanoformulations on skin cancer was included as part of the criteria for selecting the study. Nanoparticles have the potential to change the pharmacokinetics of the drug, increase the drug’s half-life by lowering immunogenicity, increase its bioavailability, decrease drug metabolism, and improve the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs. The distribution of NP-based treatments to the skin requires special consideration due to the fact that the skin acts as both a physical and immunologic barrier. In addition, specialized technologies must take into consideration not only the target but also the channel of administration in order to be effective. The purpose of this review article was to provide an overview of many types of NPs, address the current landscape of NPs for skin cancer prevention and treatment, and provide a description of the application of NP-based technologies for drug delivery targeting the skin.