Recent Developments in Nanoparticles as a Treatment for Skin Cancer

Abstract

Skin cancer is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer found in the world’s population. Due to the increase in exposure to UV rays, pollutants accompanied by environmental disturbances and chemicals present in cosmetics, the rate of skin cancer is increasing with the passing days as per the reports by WHO. The contemporary methods used for skin cancer treatment include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, surgical methods, etc. but, with the advancement in the field of nanoparticles, skin cancer is also managed with the help of some nanodrugs. Nanoparticles exhibit synergistic effects and encase a lot more properties as compared to contemporary treatments. The advantage of systemic and targeted drug delivery approach has been served well by the nanoparticles in case of skin cancer where the skin is a challenging barrier to cross. Nanoparticles have been successful in the bench to clinical trials for ex 5-FU and many other herbal nanoparticles have been patented and are in the clinical trials phase. Nanoformulations are composed of encapsulated drugs that have high stability, controlled drug release, minimal toxic effects and can easily pass through biological barriers. This paper gives a panoramic view of the recent developments in the field of nanoparticle drug delivery which has revolutionized the paradigm of topical drug delivery in patients with skin cancer.