Skin Cancer Therapy Research Articles

Ruthenium(ii) polypyridyl complexes with π-expansive ligands: synthesis and cubosome encapsulation for photodynamic therapy of non-melanoma skin cancer

Ru(ii) complexes featuring two π-expansive benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine ligands are potent photosensitizers that can be encapsulated into cubosomes to achieve hybrid formulations with augmented biopharmaceutical properties.

Nanozyme-integrated microneedle patch for enhanced therapy of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by breaking the gap between H2O2 self-supplying chemodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy.

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most common skin cancers with increasing incidence worldwide. However, it is still challenging to prevent the relapse of cSCC due to poor drug penetration across the stratum corneum. Herein, we report the design of a microneedle patch loaded with MnO2/Cu2O nanosheets and combretastatin A4 (MN-MnO2/Cu2O-CA4) for the enhanced therapy of cSCC. The prepared MN-MnO2/Cu2O-CA4 patch could effectively deliver adequate drugs locally into the tumor sites. Moreover, the glucose oxidase (GOx)-mimicking activity of MnO2/Cu2O could catalyze glucose to produce H2O2, which combined with the released Cu to induce a Fenton-like reaction to efficiently generate hydroxyl radicals for chemodynamic therapy. Meanwhile, the released CA4 could inhibit cancer cell migration and tumor growth by disrupting the tumor vasculature. Moreover, MnO2/Cu2O was endowed with the ability of photothermal conversion under the irradiation of near-infrared (NIR) laser, which could not only kill the cancer cells but also promote the efficiency of the Fenton-like reaction. Significantly, the photothermal effect did not compromise the GOx-like activity of MnO2/Cu2O, which guaranteed enough production of H2O2 for the sufficient generation of hydroxyl radicals. This work may open avenues for constructing MN-based multimodal treatment for the efficient therapy of skin cancers.

Microemulsions Improve Topical Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) Delivery for Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cancer

Microemulsions Improve Topical Protoporphyrin IX (PpIX) Delivery for Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cancer

Possibilities of radiation therapy for skin cancer in long-lived patients (over 90 years old)

Introduction. Skin cancer is one of the most common forms of malignant tumors in the Central Asian region and is frequently found in elderly and senile people. Often this pathology is also diagnosed in long-lived patients. Unfortunately, for long-lived patients the choice of adequate treatment methods presents particular difficulties due to the presence of concomitant diseases, a complex psycho-emotional state and expected complications. The inability to carry out specific antitumor treatment according to traditional programs leads to the progression of the tumor process and a significant decrease in the quality of life of patients.Aim. To determine the importance of radiation therapy in the treatment of skin cancer in long-lived patients (over 90 years old).Materials and methods. The study included 32 patients – 21 (65.62 %) men and 11 (34.38 %) women, all patients at the initial admission to a specialized medical institution were over the age of 90 years. Some patients were monitored and treated for several years in non-core institutions, they underwent various therapies for continued growth, relapses and metastases. Tumors affected various anatomical areas. Taking into account morphological and general clinical data, 5 (15.62 %) patients were diagnosed with skin cancer of stage T1N0M0, 6 (18.79 %) – T2N0M0, 14 (43.79 %) – T3N0–1M0–1, 7 (21.87 %) – T4N0–1M0–1, which indicates late treatment of patients to oncologists, despite the visual localization of skin cancer. Only 5 (15.62 %) of 32 patients underwent exclusively surgical intervention, telegammatherapy (TGT) as an independent type of treatment – 5 patients with disease in T1–2N0M0 stage. Patients with stage T3–4N0–1M0–1 disease received TGT in a single mode, probably due to the presence of contraindications or the inability to use other methods of treatment. Polychemotherapy in an independent variant was performed to 1 patient, combination therapy (TGT + surgery) – 9 (28.12 %), chemoradiotherapy – 3 (9.37 %), complex therapy (TGT + surgery + polychemotherapy).Results. Numerous scientific studies devoted to skin cancer, convincingly prove that this pathology mainly occurs in patients in the elderly and senile age (60–75 years). Our experience of treatment in 1049 patients with skin cancer confirms this fact. Standard approaches have been developed for the treatment of various forms of skin cancer, and clinicians achieve good results in the early stages of the disease. It is considered that the patient’s age is relative, and in some cases absolute, a contraindication for antitumor therapy. The assessment of the risk of skin cancer showed that it often occurs in long-lived patients (people over 90 years old) and accounts for 3.05 % of the total number of cases. During the treatment protocols of patients of this group, we were convinced of the reliably frequent localization of skin cancer in longlived patients in the head and neck (40.63 % of cases) and lower extremities (28.12 % of cases). It should be noted that in 4 out of 9 patients, the tumor developed against the background of various injuries and diseases. The majority of patients (21 (65.62 %) out of 32 patients), despite the visual localization of the tumor, turned to oncologists late when they had a locally advanced process or metastases (T3–4N0–1M0–1). The treatment in the form of combined and complex therapy was ineffective. At the same time, in the near term after treatment, signs of a residual tumor were detected in 6 (28.51 %) of 21 patients, relapses – in 4 (19.04 %), and metastasis to distant lymph nodes – in 3 (14.28 %). Probably, the aggressive course of skin cancer in long-lived patients is explained not only by the biological features of the disease, but also by the physiological characteristics of the body. Contrary to existing opinions, the majority of long-lived patients can undergo combined and complex therapy, including repeated courses of radiation therapy with their adequate use.Conclusion. Despite the advanced age, the presence of concomitant diseases, limited physical abilities, long-lived patients need adequate methods of specialized treatment. Age over 90 years is not an absolute contraindication for antitumor therapy, on the contrary, its adequate choice significantly improves the quality of life of patients. When relapses and metastases of skin cancer appear in long-lived patients, combined and complex antitumor therapy can be performed after a thorough assessment of their condition.

Superficial radiation therapy for nonmelanoma skin cancer: A review

AbstractBackgroundThe high prevalence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) has become a global health‐care burden. Various modalities have been established to treat NMSC, with surgery being the mainstay approach. Superficial radiation therapy (SRT) has been in use for over a century to treat various conditions. Recent discussion among the dermatological community has promoted the use of SRT for the treatment of NMSC.Materials and MethodsA literature search was conducted using electronic databases (Medline, Pubmed, Embase, CINAHL, EBSCO) and textbooks, in addition to the authors' clinical experience with SRT.ResultsMultiple retrospective medical record reviews have deemed SRT to be highly effective and associated with minimal side effects. Moreover, SRT yields superior cosmetic results. Over the past decade, SRT has become a mainstay of dermatologist treatment of NMSC due to the new technological advances of the devices. These advances include improved controllability, precision in delivery, additional safety precautions, and have sparked a resurgence in research and clinical evidence on SRT. Most recent data have revealed that the NMSC cure rate is about 93%–100% with excellent 5‐year follow‐up data. Image‐guided SRT using ultrasound guidance may additionally improve cure rates in the future.ConclusionSRT has shown to be an effective option for NMSC. It can also be effectively used in the management of keloids. The limitations across most studies encompass localized patient selection and a predominance of retrospective reviews in the literature. Additional research is warranted to further support SRT's efficacy in clinical practice.

Synergistic In Vitro Anticancer Toxicity of Pulsed Electric Fields and Glutathione

Despite continuous advancement in skin cancer therapy, the disease is still fatal in many patients, demonstrating the need to improve existing therapies, such as electrochemotherapy (ECT). ECT can be applied in the palliative or curative setting and is based on the application of pulsed electric fields (PEF), which by themselves exerts none to low cancer toxicity but become potently toxic when combined with low-dosed chemotherapeutics such as bleomycin and cisplatin. Albeit their favorable side-effect profiles, not all patients respond to standard ECT, and some responders experience tumor recurrence. To identify potential adjuvant or alternative agents to standard electrochemotherapy, we explored the possibility of combining PEF with a physiological compound, glutathione (GSH), to amplify anticancer toxicity. GSH is an endogenous antioxidant and is available as a dietary supplement. Surprisingly, neither GSH nor PEF mono treatment but GSH + PEF combination treatment exerted strong cytotoxic effects and declined metabolic activity in four skin cancer cell lines in vitro. The potential applicability to other tumor cells was verified by corroborating results in two leukemia cell lines. Strikingly, GSH + PEF treatment did not immediately increase intracellular GSH levels, while levels 24 h following treatment were enhanced. Similar tendencies were made for intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, while extracellular ROS increased following combination treatment. ROS levels and the degree of cytotoxicity could be partially reversed by pre-incubating cells with the NADPH-oxidase (NOX) inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium (DPI) and the H2O2-degrading enzyme catalase. Collectively, our findings suggest a promising new "endogenous" drug to be combined with PEF for future anticancer research approaches.

Modern aspects of photodynamic therapy of basal cell skin cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is one of the most effective treatments for basal cell skin cancer (BCC). As the incidence rate of BCC is increasing worldwide, interest in developing new methods for diagnosing and treating this disease, taking into account long-term cosmetic results, is growing. The review article presents the results of domestic and foreign studies on the treatment of BCC with PDT. The presented results of studies from various domestic and foreign clinics indicate the high efficiency of independent PDT and a combination of PDT with other treatment methods. PDT is proposed to be used in combination with surgical methods and radiation therapy, immunomodulating and chemotherapeutic agents, and inhibitors of molecules involved in the carcinogenic process. These new strategies open the way to increasing the effectiveness of treatment and prevention of BCC. Moreover, in all studies, the safety of this non-invasive treatment, a low level of adverse reactions during therapy, good tolerance for the patient and excellent cosmetic treatment results are noted. The guidelines currently being developed in Europe and the United States provide consistent expert advice that reflects current published evidence of treatment outcomes for BCC using PDT. Moreover, the recommendations emphasize that the treatment plan for patients with “difficult to treat” BCC should be discussed at an interdisciplinary oncological council.

Applications of Metallic Nanoparticles in the Skin Cancer Treatment.

Skin cancer is one of leading cancers globally, divided into two major categories including melanoma and nonmelanoma. Skin cancer is a global concern with an increasing trend, hence novel therapies are essential. The local treatment strategies play a key role in skin cancer therapy. Nanoparticles (NPs) exert potential applications in medicine with huge advantages and have the ability to overcome common chemotherapy problems. Recently, NPs have been used in nanomedicine as promising drug delivery systems. They can enhance the solubility of poorly water-soluble drugs, improve pharmacokinetic properties, modify bioavailability, and reduce drug metabolism. The high-efficient, nontoxic, low-cost, and specific cancer therapy is a promising goal, which can be achieved by the development of nanotechnology. Metallic NPs (MNPs) can act as important platforms. MNPs development seeks to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of medicines through site specificity, prevention of multidrug resistance, and effective delivery of therapeutic factors. MNPs are used as potential arms in the case of cancer recognition, such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and colloidal mediators for magnetic hyperthermia of cancer. The applications of MNPs in the cancer treatment studies are mostly due to their potential to carry a large dose of drug, resulting in a high concentration of anticancer drugs at the target site. Therefore, off-target toxicity and suffering side effects caused by high concentration of the drug in other parts of the body are avoided. MNPs have been applied as drug carriers for the of improvement of skin cancer treatment and drug delivery. The development of MNPs improves the results of many cancer treatments. Different types of NPs, such as inorganic and organic NPs have been investigated in vitro and in vivo for the skin cancer therapy. MNPs advantages mostly include biodegradability, electrostatic charge, good biocompatibility, high drug payload, and low toxicity. However, the use of controlled-release systems stimulated by electromagnetic waves, temperature, pH, and light improves the accumulation in tumor tissues and improves therapeutic outcomes. This study (2019-2022) is aimed at reviewing applications of MNPs in the skin cancer therapy.

Microbubble-Assisted Ultrasound for Imaging and Therapy of Melanoma Skin Cancer: A Systematic Review.

Recent technological developments in ultrasound (US) imaging and ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) have improved diagnostic confidence in echography. In the clinical management of melanoma, contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging complements conventional US imaging (i.e., high-resolution US and Doppler imaging) for clinical examination and therapeutic follow-up. These developments have set into motion the combined use of ultrasound and UCAs as a new modality for drug delivery. This modality, called sonoporation, has emerged as a non-invasive, targeted and safe method for the delivery of therapeutic drugs into melanoma. This review focuses on the results and prospects of using US and UCAs as dual modalities for CEUS imaging and melanoma treatment.

Complementary and alternative therapies in skin cancer a literature review of biologically active compounds.

Complementary and alternative medicine or therapies (CAM) are frequently used by skin cancers patients. Patient's self-administration of CAM in melanoma can reach up to 40%-50%. CAMs such as botanical agents, phytochemicals, herbal formulas ("black salve") and cannabinoids, among others, have been described in skin cancer patients. The objective of this review article was to acknowledge the different CAM for skin cancers through the current evidence, focusing on biologically active CAM rather than mind-body approaches. We searched MEDLINE database for articles published through July 2022, regardless of study design. Of all CAMs, phytochemicals have the best in vitro evidence-supporting efficacy against skin cancer including melanoma; however, to date, none have proved efficacy on human patients. Of the phytochemicals, Curcumin is the most widely studied. Several findings support Curcumin efficacy in vitro through various molecular pathways, although most studies are in the preliminary phase. In addition, the use of alternative therapies is not exempt of risks physicians should be aware of their adverse effects, interactions with standard treatments, and possible complications arising from CAM usage. There is emerging evidence for CAM use in skin cancer, but no human clinical trials support the effectiveness of any CAM in the treatment of skin cancer to date. Nevertheless, patients worldwide frequently use CAM, and physicians should educate themselves on currently available CAMs.

SIL-Net: A Semi-Isotropic L-shaped network for dermoscopic image segmentation

Background:Dermoscopic image segmentation using deep learning algorithms is a critical technology for skin cancer detection and therapy. Specifically, this technology is a spatially equivariant task and relies heavily on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), which lost more effective features during cascading down-sampling or up-sampling. Recently, vision isotropic architecture has emerged to eliminate cascade procedures in CNNs as well as demonstrates superior performance. Nevertheless, it cannot be used for the segmentation task directly. Based on these discoveries, this research intends to explore an efficient architecture which not only preserves the advantages of the isotropic architecture but is also suitable for clinical dermoscopic diagnosis. Methods:In this work, we introduce a novel Semi-Isotropic L-shaped network (SIL-Net) for dermoscopic image segmentation. First, we propose a Patch Embedding Weak Correlation (PEWC) module to address the issue of no interaction between adjacent patches during the standard Patch Embedding process. Second, a plug-and-play and zero-parameter Residual Spatial Mirror Information (RSMI) path is proposed to supplement effective features during up-sampling and optimize the lesion boundaries. Third, to further reconstruct deep features and get refined lesion regions, a Depth Separable Transpose Convolution (DSTC) based up-sampling module is designed. Results:The proposed architecture obtains state-of-the-art performance on dermoscopy benchmark datasets ISIC-2017, ISIC-2018 and PH2. Respectively, the Dice coefficient (DICE) of above datasets achieves 89.63%, 93.47%, and 95.11%, where the Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) are 82.02%, 88.21%, and 90.81%. Furthermore, the robustness and generalizability of our method has been demonstrated through additional experiments on standard intestinal polyp datasets (CVC-ClinicDB and Kvasir-SEG). Conclusion:Our findings demonstrate that SIL-Net not only has great potential for precise segmentation of the lesion region but also exhibits stronger generalizability and robustness, indicating that it meets the requirements for clinical diagnosis. Notably, our method shows state-of-the-art performance on all five datasets, which highlights the effectiveness of the semi-isotropic design mechanism.

Chitosan-functionalized nanostructured lipid carriers containing chloroaluminum phthalocyanine for photodynamic therapy of skin cancer

The objective of this study was to obtain optimized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) functionalized with chitosan containing chloroaluminum phthalocyanine (ClAlPc) as a photosensitizer. Initially, the optimization of the preparation method of the NLC was performed, where the influence of different surfactants such as PVA and Tween 80, as well as different solid lipids such as stearic acid and Glycerol Monostearate (GM) was evaluated. The formulation containing GM and PVA (NLC10) was considered promising. Following, by the adsorption method (NLC10q), the formulation was functionalized with chitosan and characterized. NLC10 and NLC10q presented sizes of 131.5 and 231.5 nm, and ZP of −24.30 and + 19.96 mV, respectively. The encapsulation efficiency of NLC10q was 96 %, higher than NLC10 (79 %). The formulations were able to promote significant cutaneous retention of ClAlPc, after 2 h and 4 h of the study, and showed to be non-toxic to fibroblasts (biocompatible). PDT in BF16-F10 melanoma resulted in reduced cell viability to 70 % and 50 % for NLC10 and NLCq, respectively. In view of the results obtained, NLC showed to be promising in the treatment of skin cancer through PDT. NLC10q showed higher encapsulation efficiency and stability than NLC10, but, contrary to what was expected, it presented lower photodynamic efficiency.

Smart Fe3O4@ZnO Core-Shell Nanophotosensitizers Potential for Combined Chemo and Photodynamic Skin Cancer Therapy Controlled by UVA Radiation.

PurposePhotodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive therapeutic modality that is used for several types of cancer and involves three essential elements (light, photosensitizer (PS), and oxygen). However, clinical PS is limited by the low yield of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a long retention time. Therefore, developing a low-cost PS that can significantly increase ROS yield in a short time is of utmost importance.MethodsIn this study, brusatol (Bru) was loaded on the surface of ultraviolet A (UVA)-responsive zinc oxide (ZnO)-coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru). The PS was well characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), a superconducting quantum interference device, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). 3-(4,5-Dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Hoechst staining were used to determine the inhibitory effect of Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru on squamous cell carcinoma cells (SCC) with or without UVA radiation. Intracellular ROS levels and expression of the Nrf2 signaling pathway were also determined.ResultsFTIR showed that Bru was successfully loaded on Fe3O4@ZnO. Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru was superparamagnetic, and the zeta potential was 8.86 ± 0.77 mV. The Bru release behavior was controlled by UVA. Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru with UVA irradiation induced an increase of 48% ROS productivity compared to Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru without UVA irradiation, resulting in a strong inhibitory effect on SCC. Furthermore, Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru nanocomposites (Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru NCs) had nearly no toxic effect on healthy cells without UVA radiation. The released Bru could significantly inhibit the Nrf2 signaling pathway to reduce the activity of scavenging excess ROS in SCC.ConclusionIn this study, Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru was successfully synthesized. PDT was combined with photochemotherapy, which exhibited a higher inhibitory effect on SCC. It can be inferred that Fe3O4@ZnO-Bru holds great potential for skin SCC therapy.

Bulirsch-Stoer computations for bioconvective magnetized nanomaterial flow subjected to convective thermal heating and Stefan blowing: a revised Buongiorno model for theranostic applications

Theranostics is a novel procedure that integrates therapy and diagnosis in a single platform. For its application in theranostic and photothermal therapy for melanoma skin cancer, the hydromagnetic bioconvective flow of a nanomaterial over a lengthening surface is investigated. Realistic nanomaterial modeling is achieved by incorporating passive control of the nanoparticles at the boundary. The impact of the Newtonian heating and Stefan blowing constraints are also accounted. Apposite transformations are employed and then transmuted nonlinear ODEs are resolved using the Bulirsch-Stoer and Newton-Raphson methods. The influence of Stefan blowing parameter , the magnetic field parameter , and the Biot number on the heat transfer rate has been scrutinized and optimized utilizing the response surface methodology (RSM). The sensitivity of heat transport rate is computed. It is found that the Newtonian thermal condition intensifies the nanomaterial temperature that serves as a crucial role in the termination of cancerous cells or tumors. The maximum drag coefficient is experienced for the insignificant intensity of the magnetic field and Stefan blowing. Further, the heat transfer rate is maximum when the Stefan blowing and Biot numbers are at a high level and the Hartmann number is at a low level.

Recurrent squamous cell carcinoma and a novel mutation in a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum: a case report

BackgroundXeroderma pigmentosum is an extremely serious genetic disorder defined by sensitivity to sunlight, resulting in sunburn and pigment changes. If patients are not completely protected from ultraviolet radiation, xeroderma pigmentosum is characterized by a greatly increased risk of sunlight-induced cutaneous neoplasms. There is no standard therapy for skin cancer of xeroderma pigmentosum. However, immune checkpoint inhibitors were reported to increase response rates and improve outcomes and life expectancy in patients with various cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma in xeroderma pigmentosum. In this paper, we report on a patient with xeroderma pigmentosum from a consanguineous family with recurrent facial chemotherapy-resistant squamous cell carcinoma lesions treated successfully with an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 monoclonal antibody in both relapses.Case presentationA 7-year-old Turkish male was referred to our oncology department for recurring squamous cell carcinoma after local excision of the tumor over his nose. The lesion was a rapidly growing lesion, measuring 8 × 4 cm in size. Physical examination revealed that he also had hemorrhagic crusted plaques and nodules over both eyelids and upper lip, with multiple hypo- and hyperpigmented punctate lesions all over his body. After two more cycles of chemotherapy, progressive disease was noted, and a new lesion on the right eyelid caused blurred vision. Anti-programmed cell death protein 1 antibody treatment was planned with concomitant radiotherapy. He received nivolumab every 3 weeks for 4 months, improving his vision. No new lesions or active complaints have been observed in the current situation, and complete remission has been achieved. On the last admission, the patient was clinically diagnosed with xeroderma pigmentosum. Owing to the condition’s genetic heterogeneity, whole-exome sequencing was performed with Ion Proton next-generation sequencing platform, and the c.2250 + 1G>A splice site mutation of the XPC gene was detected in the homozygous state.ConclusionsThe clinical report emphasizes the importance of clinical awareness and crucial early diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum and presents a novel causative homozygous c.2250 + 1G>A splice site mutation. Our case proves that next-generation sequencing is an effective method for the rapid diagnosis and determination of xeroderma pigmentosum genetic etiology.

A New Nonlinear Photothermal Iterative Theory for Port-Wine Stain Detection.

The development of appropriate photothermal detection of skin diseases to meet complex clinical demands is an urgent challenge for the prevention and therapy of skin cancer. An extensive body of literature has ignored all high-order harmonics above the second order and their influences on low-order harmonics. In this paper, a new iterative numerical method is developed for solving the nonlinear thermal diffusion equation to improve nonlinear photothermal detection for the noninvasive assessment of the thickness of port-wine stain (PWS). First, based on the anatomical and structural properties of skin tissue of PWS, a nonlinear theoretical model for photothermal detection is established. Second, a corresponding nonlinear thermal diffusion equation is solved by using the new iterative numerical method and taking into account harmonics above the second-order and their effects on lower-order harmonics. Finally, the thickness and excitation light intensity of PWS samples are numerically simulated. The simulation results show that the numerical solution converges fasterand the physical meaning of the solution is clearerwith the new method than with the traditional perturbation method. The rate of change in each harmonic with the sample thickness for the new method is higher than that for the conventional perturbation method, suggesting that the proposed numerical method may provide greater detection sensitivity. The results of the study provide a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of PWS.

Biomimetic Nanoscale Materials for Skin Cancer Therapy and Detection.

Skin cancer has developed as one of the most common types of cancer in the world, with a significant impact on public health impact and the economy. Nanotechnology methods for cancer treatment are appealing since they allow for the effective transport of medicines and other biologically active substances to specific tissues while minimizing harmful consequences. It is one of the most significant fields of research for treating skin cancer. Various nanomaterials have been employed in skin cancer therapy. The current review will summarize numerous methods of treating and diagnosing skin cancer in the earliest stages. There are numerous skin cancer indicators available for the prompt diagnosis of this type of disease. Traditional approaches to skin cancer diagnosis are explored, as are their shortcomings. Electrochemical and optical biosensors for skin cancer diagnosis and management were also discussed. Finally, various difficulties concerning the cost and ease of use of innovative methods should be addressed and overcome.

Preparation and characterization of amine-functionalized mupirocin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles: A potent drug delivery agent in targeting human epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cells

Skin cancer is one of the conventional malignities hastened in humans associated with sunburns, exhibiting considerable morbidity rate disparity. Besides the current treatments, nanotechnology alongside combination therapy holds enormous potential in treating metastatic tumors by selectively targeting cell surface receptors with a suitable carrier for drug delivery. The primary purpose of this research involves investigating and scrutinizing the physicochemical characteristics and antiproliferative effects of amine-functionalized and mupirocin-loaded zinc oxide nanoparticles (AZNP-MUP). Physicochemical characterization of the AZNP-MUP revealed spherical NPs (18.6 nm) on the drug-loaded matrix developed by EDC/NHS mediation, with an average crystallite grain size of 24.75 nm. The 50% hydroxyl radical scavenging activity for the conjugate (AZNP-MUP) was achieved at 91.89 μg/ml, the best concentration evinced when juxtaposed with the other antioxidant assays in the study. Moreover, AZNP-MUP inhibited the growth of V. cholera, E. faecalis and L. monocytogenes more significantly, with a greater zone of inhibition (25 mm) than AZNP. The conjugate AZNP-MUP manifested a strong antiproliferative effect with a higher percentage of necrotic cells (63%) and more DNA fragmentation than AZNP. Our results evince that AZNP-MUP could be adeptly proposed as a skin cancer therapy strategy to improve current patients' treatments.

Efficacy of Herbal Medicine as Adjunctive Therapy for Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a condition in which the skin's cells grow abnormally. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide. It is more frequently found in locations exposed to sunlight, although it can also occur in areas that are not normally exposed to sunlight. Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of herbal medicine as adjuvant therapy for skin cancer. Herbal medicine utilises plants, or combinations of plant extracts, to treat illness and promote health. Herbal medicine has grown in popularity over the last few decades due to its critical role in cancer prevention and therapy. As a result, herbal treatments are increasingly being studied and utilised extensively to treat skin cancers worldwide. This article aims to discuss the anticancer capabilities of herbal medicine as an adjuvant therapy for skin cancer and the potential for their bioactive components to increase immunity and kill cancer cells. In addition, this study will present an overview of anti-cancer compounds produced from plants that have been proven to have potential anti-carcinogenic characteristics in various skin cancer cell lines and animal models. This review aims to increase awareness of herbal medicine as an adjuvant therapy for cancer and to provide further data for developing more effective anti-cancer medicines. Research utilising herbal medicine in various forms and at various levels in the future with more carefully designed studies will need to be conducted, including rigorous quality control and standardised models at the cellular, organic, animal, and clinical levels to combat skin cancer.

A New Approach for a Safe and Reproducible Seeds Positioning for Diffusing Alpha-Emitters Radiation Therapy of Squamous Cell Skin Cancer: A Feasibility Study.

The purpose of this study is to discuss how to use an external radio-opaque template in the Diffusing Alpha-emitters Radiation Therapy (DaRT) technique's pre-planning and treatment stages. This device would help to determine the proper number of sources for tumour coverage, accounting for subcutaneous invasion and augmenting DaRT safety. The procedure will be carried out in a first phase on a phantom and then applied to a clinical case. A typical DaRT procedure workflow comprises steps like tumour measurements and delineation, source number assessment, and therapy administration. As a first step, an adhesive fiberglass mesh (spaced by 2 mm) tape was applied on the skin of the patient and employed as frame of reference. A physician contoured the lesion and marked the entrance points for the needles with a radio opaque ink marker. According to the radio opaque marks and metabolic uptake the clinical target volume was defined, and with a commercial brachytherapy treatment planning system (TPS) it was possible to simulate and adjust the spatial seeds distribution. After the implant procedure a CT was again performed to check the agreement between simulations and seeds positions. With the procedure described above it was possible to simulate a DaRT procedure on a phantom in order to train physicians and subsequently apply the novel approach on patients, outlining the major issues involved in the technique. The present work innovates and supports DaRT technique for the treatment of cutaneous cancers, improving its efficacy and safety.