The Therapeutic Benefits of Biodegradable, Drug-Encapsulated, Polymer-Based Nanoparticles in the Targeted Treatment of Different Skin Cancers

According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, an estimated 9,500 people in the US are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. 1 The three most common types of skin cancer are melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma.Less common skin cancers include Merkel cell carcinoma, Sebaceous gland carcinoma, and Kaposi sarcoma. 2 Skin cancer is a public health issue while skin cancer experts do not currently recommend screenings for most people, they do recommend that individuals bring up any noticeable changes to their skin to their primary care physician or dermatologist, as early detection is key to treating skin cancer and preventing its spread. 3ere is a surge in public health efforts to educate the average person on the risks and signs of skin cancer, this is evident in the rise of social media toolkits that share statistics on skin cancer, facts about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation, and recommendations for what types of changes one should bring up with a physician.This is especially crucial as approximately 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers, and 85% of cases of melanoma, are associated with exposure to ultraviolet radiation.While exposure to ultraviolet rays (from the sunlight or indoor tanning beds) is the primary cause of skin cancer, what many people do not know is that it is the most preventable cause of skin cancer, further indicating the importance of public health education. 4However, there is still work to be done in health education.According to a survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 50% of all adults and 65% of white adults ages 18-29 reported experiencing sunburn in the span of one year, highlighting the fact that sun protection measures are still not being observed. 5in cancer, like many other malignancies, is commonly managed with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgical resection--all of which can result in significant side effects and prolonged recovery periods.In recent years, biodegradable nanoparticles have emerged as a novel method for delivering chemotherapeutic agents directly to tumor sites (in situ), offering a more targeted approach that enhances drug efficiency while minimizing systemic toxicity.Although nanoparticle-based therapies have been investigated for various types of skin cancer, this paper, a narrative review of medical literature, aims to evaluate the advantages and limitations of different nanoparticle formulations across distinct cancer types and stages.