Leveraging doped zinc oxide nanoparticles for advancements in skin cancer therapy

Skin cancer remains a formidable challenge in modern oncology, ranking as the fifth most prevalent malignancy globally. Conventional therapeutic strategies for early-stage skin cancer predominantly include surgical excision, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, curettage with electrodesiccation, cryotherapy, and photodynamic therapy. While chemotherapy remains a cornerstone in cancer treatment, it is often hindered by several limitations, including inadequate therapeutic efficacy, the development of tumor resistance, poor solubility and permeability, as well as systemic toxicity. In recent years, the advent of nanotechnology has revolutionized biomedical research, particularly in oncology, by offering innovative approaches to improve drug delivery, enhance tumor targeting, and optimize therapeutic outcomes. Among various nanomaterials, nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as promising candidates for skin cancer treatment due to their unique physicochemical properties, high biocompatibility, and ability to achieve targeted drug delivery with minimal off-target effects. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles, in particular, have garnered substantial attention for their potent anticancer properties, which can be further enhanced through doping strategies to improve their efficacy, stability, and selectivity against malignant cells. This review comprehensively examines the therapeutic potential of doped ZnO nanoparticles in skin cancer treatment.