Skin cancer includes melanoma (MSC) and non-melanoma types (NMSC) such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Melanoma is less common but more deadly, with about 324,000 new cases and 57,000 deaths annually. NMSCs are far more common, especially BCC, though SCC causes most related deaths. Conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy have major drawbacks, including toxicity, incomplete tumor removal, and poor drug penetration through the skin. Immunotherapies have improved outcomes but still face resistance and serious side effects.
Nanotechnology offers a promising solution by improving targeted drug delivery, enhancing bioavailability, and minimizing systemic toxicity. Nanoparticles (NPs) can selectively accumulate in tumors either passively, through leaky tumor blood vessels, or actively, via ligands that bind to cancer cell receptors. By encapsulating drugs in liposomes, polymeric particles, or metallic nanostructures, nanotechnology increases stability, allows controlled release, and enhances penetration through the skin barrier. Stimuli-responsive systems release drugs only under specific tumor conditions such as acidity or oxidative stress, further reducing harm to healthy tissues.
Nanocarrier-based therapies are advancing across multiple fronts. They improve chemotherapy delivery, support photothermal and photodynamic therapies for localized tumor destruction, and enable gene or RNA therapies that directly modulate cancer-related genes. Nanoparticles also boost immunotherapy by improving antigen presentation and immune activation. However, clinical translation remains limited due to challenges in deep skin penetration, tumor variability, large-scale production, and long-term safety. Continued research aims to refine nanocarrier design, improve targeting accuracy, and make nanotechnology-based treatments a viable option for managing skin cancer.