Journal of Nanomedicine & Nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnology-based Doxorubicin delivery for the treatment of skin cancer: A comprehensive review

Muhammad Farhat Ullah*, Amjad Ali Shah, Rashna Mirza, Yousaf Khan and Ariba Sattar

Skin cancer is becoming more prevalent, with a rapid increase in incidence, posing a substantial public health problem. Doxorubicin, an anticancer agent, recognized as one of the most potent medications, is frequently employed in the treatment of skin cancer. Nevertheless, its application is constrained by challenges such as restricted penetration, dose-dependent toxicity, the development of multidrug resistance, and its limited specificity for cancer cells. The utilization of nanoparticles (NPs) emerges as a promising strategy to effectively address the myriad challenges encountered in the skin cancer treatment of doxorubicin (DOX). The inherent characteristics and components of NPs provide a range of advantageous properties, including enhanced permeation, sustained release, biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and reduced toxicity. Notably, the specificity and selectivity of NPs for tumor tissues contribute to a reduction in DOX doses, thereby minimizing side effects in healthy tissues. Furthermore, NPs enhance the cytotoxicity of DOX, often leading to a decreased requirement for drug amounts to achieve the desired effect. The adaptable chemical formulation of NPs allows for easy modifications, expanding their applications, including incorporating materials with cytotoxic properties that synergize with DOX. Additionally, NPs exhibit an affinity for compounds secreted by tumor cells and bind to specific receptors on these cells, effectively overcoming barriers associated with multidrug resistance (MDR). In light of these advancements, this review underscores the considerable progress achieved in the realm of skin cancer chemotherapy through the implementation of doxorubicin nanoplatform-based delivery systems.

Published Date: 2024-01-30; Received Date: 2024-01-02