Nanotechnology in Skin Cancer Therapy: Recent Progress in Targeted Delivery

Skin cancer, encompassing melanoma and non-melanoma types, remains a significant public health concern globally. Conventional therapies-such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy-are constrained by poor skin penetration, systemic toxicity, and high recurrence rates. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy to address these limitations through enhanced drug delivery, targeted tumor accumulation, and reduced off-target effects. This review summarizes recent advances in nanocarrier-based approaches for skin cancer therapy. Key platforms include liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, metallic nanoparticles, and biomimetic systems. These nanocarriers facilitate passive, active, and stimuli-responsive targeting, thereby improving drug distribution within tumors and enhancing therapeutic precision. Applications include chemotherapy, photothermal and photodynamic therapy, gene and RNA delivery, and immunotherapy. Despite substantial preclinical success, challenges persist in translating findings to the clinic. These include limited dermal penetration, tumor heterogeneity, immune clearance, and regulatory barriers. Innovative solutions-such as multifunctional nanocarriers, personalized formulations, and non-invasive delivery devices-are being investigated to address these issues. In conclusion, nanotechnology holds considerable potential to transform skin cancer treatment. Continued interdisciplinary efforts are crucial for translating laboratory innovations into clinically viable therapies, ensuring safer and more effective outcomes for patients.