Advanced Drug Delivery Systems in Dermatology and Cancer Immunotherapy: A Synthesis of Targeted Therapeutics and Immune Regulation

Effective drug delivery to the skin or tumor microenvironment requires overcoming biological barriers while precisely modulating immune responses. In dermatology, topical therapies must penetrate the stratum corneum without triggering inflammation, whereas cancer immunotherapy demands targeted delivery to stimulate anti-tumor immunity with minimal off-target effects. This review evaluates advanced drug delivery systems (DDS)—exosomes, oleosomes, liposomes, niosomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), polymeric nanoparticles, and dendrimers—for their design, biological interactions, and applications in dermatology (e.g., wound healing, psoriasis) and cancer immunotherapy (e.g., antigen delivery, checkpoint modulation). By synthesizing insights from both fields, we highlight how these systems address shared challenges, such as penetration barriers and immune regulation, and explore their potential to advance precision medicine. These technologies promise to unify skin and cancer therapies, enhancing precision and patient outcomes.