Abstract
Skin cancer (SC) is the most common carcinoma affecting 3 million people annually in the United States and millions of people worldwide. It is classified as melanoma SC (MSC) and non-melanoma SC (NMSC). NMSC represents approximately 80% of SC and includes squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. MSC, however, has a higher mortality rate than SC because of its ability to metastasize. SC is a major health problem in the United States with significant morbidity and mortality in the Caucasian population. Treatment options for SC include cryotherapy, excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodessication, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatment is chosen based on the type of SC and the potential for side effects. Novel targeted therapies are being used with increased frequency for large tumors and for metastatic disease. A scoping literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cancer Registry websites revealed that traditional chemotherapeutic drugs have little effect against SC after the cancer has metastasized. Following an overview of SC biology, epidemiology, and treatment options, this review focuses on the mechanisms of advanced technologies that use silver nanoparticles in SC treatment regimens.
Highlights
Skin cancer (SC) incidence has been rapidly increasing in the United States for the past three decades
State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, United States of America this review focuses on the mechanisms of advanced technologies that use silver nanoparticles in SC treatment regimens
Based on cell biology and clinical behavior, SC is classified as melanoma SC (MSC) and non-melanoma SC (NMSC), which is further delineated into basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) [2]
Summary
Skin cancer (SC) incidence has been rapidly increasing in the United States for the past three decades. It occurs in individuals with fair skin living in warm and sunny climates [1]. Risk factors of melanoma include intermittent exposure to sunlight, light color of the skin, and geographical location, one form, acral lentiginous melanoma, occurs in darkskinned individuals on the hands and feet [4]. Non-targeted chemotherapy for advanced SC is associated with a variety of organ toxicities. This set the stage for the development of novel targeted therapies. This article summarizes the biology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and treatment options for SC and highlights the use of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) in promising new regimens
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