Treatment Of Skin Tumors Research Articles

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Pongamia pinnata plant extract against skin cancer: In-silico and in-vitro study

Ethnopharmacological relevancePongamia pinnata Linn belonging to the Fabaceae family, holds significance as a crucial remedy in herbal medicine. Aim of the studyThe present study aims to determine the anticancer and antioxidant properties of the plant extract. Material and methodsThe methodology includes extraction of the leaf sample by soxhlet method followed by the phytochemical analysis of leaf extract. Through in-silico approach three anti-cancer receptors were analyzed with 10 ligands which were studied using molecular docking and molecular simulation approach. The prediction outcome of in-silico tests on the petroleum ether plant extract served as a foundation for the subsequent in-vitro studies. Phytochemical profiling of plant extracts using GC-MS analysis, and cytotoxicity testing for A431 skin cell line using MTT Assay. ResultsThe binding affinity of Pongamia pinnata as an anti-cancer agent with respect to the targets EGF, EGFR, ERBB2 was evident. In the in-silico studies, the highest binding affinity with respect to the docked complexes were -8.2 kcal/mol for EGF with Pazopanib, -8.3 kcal/mol for EGFR with pongachromene, -9.5 kcal/mol for ERBB2 with Vitexin. Further these complexes were assessed by molecular simulations and it confirms the stability of these complexes. In in-vitro studies the HPLC results indicated the presence of 0.176 ± 0.001 mg/mL of phenols and 0.159 ± 0.001 mg/mL of flavonoids. The IC50 value was 1.051 which revealed the antioxidant potential. The cytotoxicity studies against the A431 skin cancer cell resulted in an IC50 concentration of 89.59 μg/ml. ConclusionsThese studies show that P. pinnata has the properties to serve as a therapeutic agent for the treatment of skin tumors. The molecular simulation studies approach is a predictor for drug discovery, acting as a basis for testing anti-cancer activity against the skin tumor. As a result, it can be a useful source of crude drug for the treatment of melanomas.

Analysis of the consistency of doctors’ opinions in the assessment of dermatoscopic images of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, keratoacanthoma and squamous cell cancer

Background. Squamous cell skin cancer (SCSC) is the most dangerous tumor of all non-melanocytic skin neoplasms due to its aggressive course with destructive growth and frequent metastasis. Another characteristic feature of SCSC is the presence of precancerous conditions such as actinic keratosis, arsenic keratosis and PUVA-keratosis. In the gradual increase in the degree of keratinocyte dysplasia to the development of invasive forms of skin malignancies, the following continuum of diseases can be distinguished: actinic keratosis — Bowen’s disease — keratoacanthoma — SCSC. Dermatoscopic signs of each of the listed nosologies can also occur in other diseases of this chain, which can complicate diagnosis and lead to erroneous patient management tactics. Aim. To determine the consistency of dermatologists’ opinions in assessing dermatoscopic images of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, keratoacanthoma and SCSC, depending on work experience. Methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Scientific and Practical Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Skin Tumors of the Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution “PIMU” of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation. Based on the literature data, we compiled a generalized list of possible dermatoscopic signs of actinic keratosis, Bowen’s disease, keratoacanthoma, SCSC and analyzed dermatoscopic images of 85 elements of actinic keratosis, 28 — of Bowen’s disease, 10 — of keratoacanthoma and 24 — of SCSC. 10 dermatovenerologists participated in the study, half of whom (Group 1) had experience in the field of dermatoscopy for more than 4 years, and the other half (Group 2) — for less than 4 years. Results. The study reveals statistically significant deviations in the frequencies of dermatoscopic signs between the two groups of specialists when analyzing images of actinic keratosis and Bowen’s disease. Differences in the frequency of detection of keratoacanthoma and SCSC signs between specialists with more than 4 years of experience in the field of dermatoscopy and less than 4 years’ experience have not been found. Conclusion. Taking into account the average number of signs, the statistically justified result of the analysis is the inference that the average group frequencies in Group 1 and Group 2 are equal. The conclusion is that the opinions of specialists in the field of dermatoscopy are highly consistent, regardless of work experience. This indicates the high diagnostic value of the method, despite its subjective nature.

Compounding Methylene Blue with Selenium-decorated Graphene Quantum Dots to Improve Singlet Oxygen Production for Photodynamic Therapy Application.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are known as suitable material to be applied in different fields such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, GQDs were synthesized by the pyrolysis method and then decorated with selenium (Se). Afterward, they were combined with methylene blue (MB) to increase singlet oxygen generation as well as to apply them more effectively in the PDT method. Furthermore, GQDs were investigated by transmission electron microscope (TEM), photoluminescence spectrum (PL), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement, and cytotoxicity measurement. GQDs showed no dependence on the excitation wavelength. The result of ROS measurement proves that the combination of GQD-Se and MB increases singlet oxygen production. Moreover, afterglow measurement approved the beneficial effect of GQD-Se on even deep and near skin tumor treatment. Cytotoxicity measurements under dark conditions, cell viability, and the side effects on human cells were determined by (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) (MTT) assay. Our findings show that under dark conditions, even high concentrations of nanoparticles have no significant effect on cell viability. These findings and the high biocompatibility of GQDs indicate the effective application of GQD-Se-MB in PDT.

Clinical and toxicity outcomes with 3D based-HDR surface mold brachytherapy in skin cancer.

Surface mold brachytherapy (SMBT) is an established treatment modality in skin cancer, especially in accessible areas, and has shown comparable outcomes to surgery. We have presented our results for the skin tumor treatment with SMBT treated with high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy in terms of clinical outcomes and toxicity at our institute. In this retrospective analysis, 15 patients with skin cancer were treated with customized tube-based SMBT at our institute between January 2019 and July 2021. The patients were treated using HDR-brachytherapy using Iridium-192. The median dose was 40 Gy in 10 fractions. The dosimetric parameters were assessed, and patients were followed up as per the institutional protocol. All patients underwent individualized CT-based planning. Skin toxicity was assessed using the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). With the majority of the patients being male, the median age was 59 years and the most common site affected was the face (8/15; 53.3%). Among the 15 cases, five were squamous cell carcinoma, nine were basal cell carcinoma, and a single case of sebaceous cell carcinoma. The median depth of invasion was 4 mm, and the median catheter-to-surface distance was 1 mm. The complete response rate among the 10 definitive cases was 90% and partial response in one case. The treatment was well-tolerated with no grade 3-5 toxicities. The median V95% and V90% were 94.8% and 97.1%, respectively. The mean coverage index (C.I.), dose non-uniformity ratio (DNR), and overdose volume index (ODI) were 0.97, 0.13, and 0.05, respectively. After a median follow-up of 12 months, none of the patients had recurrence. On assessment of DLQI, the scores were found to be significant in association with the tumor size and tumor site with scores favoring <2 cm and non-exposed area lesions. SMBT is a safe and effective treatment modality for skin tumors providing excellent response and cosmetic outcomes. It is well-tolerated and a non-invasive option for elderly patients with comorbidities and lesions in inoperable areas.

A Real-time augmented reality robot integrated with artificial intelligence for skin tumor surgery - experimental study and case series.

Skin tumors affect many people worldwide, and surgery is the first treatment choice. Achieving precise preoperative planning and navigation of intraoperative sampling remains a problem and is excessively reliant on the experience of surgeons, especially for Mohs surgery for malignant tumors. To achieve precise preoperative planning and navigation of intraoperative sampling, we developed a real-time augmented reality (AR) surgical system integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance three functions: AI-assisted tumor boundary segmentation, surgical margin design, and navigation in intraoperative tissue sampling. Non-randomized controlled trials were conducted on manikin, tumor-simulated rabbits, and human volunteers in xxx Laboratory to evaluate the surgical system. The results showed that the accuracy of the benign and malignant tumor segmentation were 0.9556 and 0.9548, respectively, and the average AR navigation mapping error was 0.644mm. The proposed surgical system was applied in 106 skin tumor surgeries, including intraoperative navigation of sampling in 16 Mohs surgery cases. Surgeons who have used this system highly recognize it. The surgical system highlighted the potential to achieve accurate treatment of skin tumors and to fill the gap in global research on skin tumor surgery systems.

Dissolving Microneedle-Based Cascade-Activation Nanoplatform for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy of Skin Cancer.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been an attractive strategy for skin tumor treatment. However, the hypoxic microenvironment of solid tumors and further O2 consumption during PDT would diminish its therapeutic effect. Herein, we developed a strategy using the combination of PDT and hypoxia-activated bioreductive drug tirapazamine (TPZ). TPZ was linked to DSPE-PEG-NHS forming DSPE-PEG-TPZ to solve leakage of water-soluble TPZ and serve as an antitumor agent and monomer molecule further forming the micellar. Chlorin e6 (Ce6) was loaded in DSPE-PEG-TPZ forming DSPE-PEG-TPZ@Ce6 (DPTC). To further improve tumor infiltration and accumulation, hyaluronic acid was adopted to make DPTC-containing microneedles (DPTC-MNs). Both in vitro and in vivo studies consistently demonstrated the synergistic antitumor effect of photodynamic therapy and TPZ achieved by DPTC-MNs. With laser irradiation, overexpressions of PDT tolerance factors NQO1 and HIF-1α were inhibited by this PDT process. The synergistic effect of PDT and TPZ significantly improved the performance of DPTC-MNs in the treatment of melanoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and has good biocompatibility.

Review on the Role of Paraffin-embedded Margin-controlled Mohs Micrographic Surgery to Treat Skin Tumors

Paraffin-embedded margin-controlled Mohs micrographic surgery (PMMS) includes various procedures such as slow Mohs or deferred Mohs technique, the Muffin and Tübingen techniques, and staged margin excision, or the spaghetti technique. PMMS is a variation of conventional Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) that allows histopathological examination with delayed margin control. PMMS requires minimum training and may be adopted by any hospital. The setback is that PMMS can require procedures across multiple days. PMMS lowers the rate of recurrence of basal cell carcinoma vs wide local excision in high-risk basal cell carcinoma, and improves the rates of recurrence and survival in lentigo maligna. PMMS can be very useful in high-risk squamous cell carcinoma treatment. Finally, it is a promising technique to treat infrequent skin neoplasms, such as dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, or extramammary Paget's disease, among others. In this article, we present a literature narrative review on PMMS, describing techniques and indications, and highlighting long-term outcomes.

A wearable electrostimulation-augmented ionic-gel photothermal patch doped with MXene for skin tumor treatment

A wearable biological patch capable of producing multiple responses to light and electricity without interfering with daily activities is highly desired for skin cancer treatment, but remains a key challenge. Herein, the skin-mountable electrostimulation-augmented photothermal patch (eT-patch) comprising transparent ionic gel with MXene (Ti3C2Tx) doping is developed and applied for the treatment of melanoma under photostimulation at 0.5 W/cm2. The eT-patch designed has superior photothermal and electrical characteristics owing to ionic gels doped with MXene which provides high photothermal conversion efficiency and electrical conductivity as a medium. Simultaneously, the ionic gel-based eT-patch having excellent optical transparency actualizes real-time observation of skin response and melanoma treatment process under photothermal and electrical stimulation (PES) co-therapy. Systematical cellular study on anti-tumor mechanism of the eT-patch under PES treatment revealed that eT-patch under PES treatment can synergically trigger cancer cell apoptosis and pyroptosis, which together lead to the death of melanoma cells. Due to the obvious advantages of relatively safe and less side effects in healthy organs, the developed eT-patch provides a promising cost-effective therapeutic strategy for skin tumors and will open a new avenue for biomedical applications of ionic gels.

Skin cancer occurrence: single-center experiences from period 2020-2022.

&lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Introduction:&lt;/b&gt; Skin cancers constitute a group of medical disorders remaining a field of interest for surgeons and dermatologists. Currently, this group is typically divided into malignant melanoma (MM) and keratinocyte cancers (KC).&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Aim:&lt;/b&gt; The aim of this study is to analyze the cases of skin cancers treated in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery in Lodz (Poland) during the COVID-19 pandemic (from 2020 to 2022) and then compare the results with the ones from the pre-pandemic period (from 2017 to 2019).&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Material and methods:&lt;/b&gt; An analysis of histopathological files from the period between 2020 and 2022 was performed. It was based on the following criteria: sex, age, type of skin cancer, subtype of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), location, and dimensions of the tumor. The study sample consisted of 225 patients presenting 241 cases of skin cancers. There were 74 men and 151 women, with the mean age being 71.7.&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The most common skin cancer was BCC (175 cases, 72.6%) followed by SCC (59 cases, 24.5%), melanoma (5 cases, 2.1%), and other (2 cases, 0.8% - angiosarcoma and sweat gland carcinoma).&lt;/br&gt; &lt;b&gt;&lt;br&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; A marked reduction in the number of skin cancers detected during the pandemic period was reported on. Delay in the surgical treatment of skin tumors does not seem to affect the size of the removed lesion. Some models predicting that tumors would be larger after the confinement period are not applicable in reality. However, further investigations with larger samples from multiple centers are needed to confirm these findings and to work out standards on how to deal with healthcare crises in the future.&lt;/br&gt.

Liquid crystalline nanogel targets skin cancer via low-frequency ultrasound treatment

The potential of low-frequency ultrasound (LFU) combined with nanotechnology-based formulations in improving skin tumors topical treatment was investigated. The impact of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and hydrophilic nanogels as coupling media on LFU-induced skin localized transport regions (LTR) and the penetration of doxorubicin (DOX) in LFU-pretreated skin was evaluated. SLN were prepared by the microemulsion technique and liquid crystalline nanogels using Poloxamer. In vitro, the skin was pretreated with LFU until skin resistivity of ∼1 KΩ.cm2 using the various coupling media followed by evaluation of DOX penetration from DOX-nanogel and SLN-DOX in skin layers. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) induced in mice was LFU-treated using the nanogel with the LFU tip placed 5 mm or 10 mm from the tumor surface, followed by DOX-nanogel application. LFU with nanogel coupling achieved larger LTR areas than LFU with SLN coupling. In LFU-pretreated skin, DOX-nanogel significantly improved drug penetration to the viable epidermis, while SLN-DOX hindered drug transport through LTR. In vivo, LFU-nanogel pretreatment with the 10 mm tip distance induced significant tumor inhibition and reduced tumor cell numbers and necrosis. These findings suggest the importance of optimizing nanoparticle-based formulations and LFU parameters for the clinical application of LFU technology in skin tumor treatment.

Рецидивирующее течение плоскоклеточного рака кожи у пациента с дистрофическим типом буллезного эпидермолиза

The development of squamous cell skin carcinoma (SCCC) is one of the most common complications in the junctional and dystrophic form of epidermolysis bullosa. Currently, early detection and surgery is the gold standard for treatment of skin tumors. However, detection of SCCC in patients with epidermolysis bullosa is a challenge even for an experienced clinician. In addition, there are nuances of performing a surgery, as well as postoperative care in these patients. In this article, we would like to share a rare experience of treatment of recurrent squamous cell skin carcinoma in young patient with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.

Abstract CT115: Treatment of skin tumors with intratumoral interleukin 12 gene electrotransfer in the head and neck region: A phase I clinical trial

Abstract Immunotherapies with monoclonal antibodies (checkpoint inhibitors) are currently being intensively researched and have led to excellent response in many cases in various tumors. Another potential approach to immunotherapy is the targeted intratumoral administration of interleukin 12 (IL -12), a cytokine with proven anti-tumor activity. Due to its immunomodulatory effect, it can be used as an immunostimulatory component for in situ vaccination of local ablative therapies. We have developed a phIL12 plasmid without antibiotic resistance markers using a transgene for the human IL -12 p70 protein. The plasmid can be introduced intratumorally by gene electrotransfer. In gene electrotransfer, electrical pulses are applied to the tumor to deliver the plasmid DNA into the cells. Based on nonclinical studies of safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, tolerability, and immunogenicity, a phase I clinical trial of phIL12 gene electrotransfer was conducted (ISRCTN15479959, ClinicalTrials NCT05077033). The primary objective of the study is to evaluate the safety and tolerability of phIL12 gene electrotransfer in the treatment of basal cell carcinoma in patients with operable tumors of the head and neck. The study, an exploratory, dose-escalating Phase I study, will enroll 9 patients in three dose-escalating cohorts. Treatment consists of plasmid injection followed by application of electrical pulses to the tumors. Patients are monitored for 30 days, with tumors removed if a complete response is not achieved. To date, two cohorts of patients have completed the study. No adverse effects or treatment-related toxicities have been observed, and treatment has been well tolerated by patients. The results of this study will provide the basis for the use of phIL12 gene electrotransfer as adjuvant therapy to local ablative therapies to enhance their local effect and elicit a systemic response. Citation Format: Gregor Sersa, Maja Cemazar, Crt Jamsek, Primoz Strojan, Tanja Jesenko, Masa Bosnjak, Ales Groselj. Treatment of skin tumors with intratumoral interleukin 12 gene electrotransfer in the head and neck region: A phase I clinical trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 2 (Clinical Trials and Late-Breaking Research); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(8_Suppl):Abstract nr CT115.

Near-Infrared Light-Activated Oxygen Generator a Multidynamic Photo-Nanoplatform for Effective Anti-Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma Treatment.

Nanophototherapy has emerged as a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment; however, its efficacy in dermatological tumors and precancerous lesions remains severely limited. This study aimed to use the gas-liquid injection technique to fully utilize the synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) of nanomaterials to enhance the antitumor effect. A novel oxygen-generating nanocomposite (TSL-IR820-CAT) was synthesized by encapsulating the photosensitizer IR820 and catalase (CAT) using a matrix encapsulation method based on thermosensitive liposomes (TSL).-The liquid injection technology enhances the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The combined PDT/PTT therapeutic effect of TSL-IR820-CAT on cSCC was investigated using in vivo and in vitro experiments. TSL-IR820-CAT, with good stability, efficient drug release, and photothermal conversion ability, was successfully developed. Nanoparticles injected through a needle-free syringe efficiently accumulate in the tumor tissue. As TSL-IR820-CAT was consumed by A431 cells, some of it localized to the mitochondria and produced oxygen to relieve hypoxia, thereby enhancing the efficacy of PDT. PDT/PTT combination therapy resulted in irreversible apoptosis and inhibited cSCC growth. TSL-IR820-CAT coupled with gas-liquid injection was free from apparent systemic side effects. This article discusses new strategies and ideas for treating skin tumors and has significant application value.

MSS10 Presentation Time: 4:30 PM: Clinical and Toxicity Outcomes with HDR Surface Mould Brachytherapy in Skin Cancer: Indian Experience

<h3>Purpose</h3> Surface Mold Brachytherapy (SMBT) is an established treatment modality in skin cancer especially in accessible areas and provides outcomes comparable to surgery. We present our results for the skin tumor treatment with SMBT treated with High-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy in terms of clinical outcomes and toxicity at our institute. <h3>Materials and Methods</h3> this retrospective analysis among skin cancer patients with skin tumors treated at our institute between January 2020 to July 2021 were assessed and a total of 15 patients were evaluated. The patient and disease characteristics were assessed and patients were treated using HDR- Surface Mold Brachytherapy using Iridium-192. The median dose was 40Gy in 10 fractions. The dosimetric parameters were assessed and patients were followed-up as per the institutional protocol. All patients underwent individualized CT-based planning. Skin toxicity was assessed using Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). <h3>Results</h3> With majority of the patients being male, the median age was 59 years and most common site being the face (8/15; 53.3%). The histopathology included 7 Squamous cell carcinoma, 6 Basal cell carcinoma and a single case of sebaceous cell carcinoma. The median depth of invasion was 4 mm and median catheter to surface distance was 1 mm. The Complete response rate among the 10 definitive cases was 90% and partial response in one case. The treatment was well-tolerated with no Grade 3-5 toxicities. The median V95% and V90% were 95.42% and 97.37% respectively. The mean Coverage Index (C.I), Dose non-uniformity ratio (DNR) and overdose volume index (ODI) were 0.97, 0.36 and 0.04 respectively. After a median follow-up of 6 months, none of the patients had recurrence. On assessment of DLQI, the scores were found to be significant in association with the tumor size and tumor site with scores favoring <2cm and non-exposed area lesions. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Surface mould brachytherapy is a safe and effective treatment modality for skin tumours providing excellent response and cosmetic outcomes. It is well-tolerated and a non-invasive option for elderly patients with comorbidities and lesions in inoperable areas.

A bionic cellulose nanofiber-based nanocage wound dressing for NIR-triggered multiple synergistic therapy of tumors and infected wounds

Tumor recurrence and drug-resistant bacterial infection are the main reasons that wounds heal with difficulty after skin tumor treatment. The near infrared- (NIR-) and pH-responsive, bionic, cellulose nanofiber-based (CNF-based) nanocage wound dressing with biocompatibility, bioviscosity, and shape adaptability is designed for dual NIR-triggered photothermal therapy of tumor and infection-induced wound healing. The wound dressing with the intertwining three dimensional (3D) nanocage network structure is skillfully constructed using NIR-responsive cellulose nanofibers and pH-responsive cellulose nanofibers as the skeleton, which endows the dressing with a high drug-loading capacity of doxorubicin (400 mg·g-1), and indocyanine green (25 mg·g-1). Moreover, the NIR- and pH-responsive bionic “On/Off” switches of the dressing enable a controllable and efficient drug release onto the wound area. The dual NIR-triggered wound dressing with excellent photothermal conversion performance possesses good antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It could effectively eliminate bacterial biofilms and kill A375 tumor cells. Interestingly, the bionic wound dressing with shape adaptability could adapt and treat irregular postoperative skin tumor wounds and drug-resistant bacterial infection via the synergistic therapy of photothermal, photodynamic, and chemotherapy, which provides an ideal strategy for clinical intervention.

Thermo-mechanical memory responses in a thick tumorous skin tissue during hyperthermia treatment

In this work, we will present a model that is useful in treating skin tumors of severe thickness by local hyperthermia. The generalized thermo-viscoelasticity theory with memory-dependent derivative (MDD) is used to investigate the transfer of bioheat and heat-induced response in a thick plate of skin tissue with rheological properties. Laplace and Fourier transformations as well as the state space approach are used. The resulting formulation is applied to the surface of a thick tumorous skin tissue with finite thickness subjected to regional hyperthermia therapy for cancer treatment. The inversion process for Fourier and Laplace transforms is carried out using a numerical method based on Fourier series expansions. Comparisons are made with the results anticipated through the coupled and generalized theories.

High dose rate brachytherapy for the treatment of skin tumours in humans and animals

High dose rate brachytherapy for the treatment of skin tumours in humans and animals

Drug-free phototherapy of superficial tumors: White light at the end of the tunnel.

Visible light has long been recognized as a treatment for many diseases and an essential component of photo-induced chemotherapy. While previous data proved its inherent cytotoxicity, this study is the first to explore the use of a commercially available, high-intensity white LED light (24.5mW.cm-2) as a treatment for skin tumors. After a 9-h exposure in vitro, the viability of Human Malignant Melanoma cells (A375) decreased by around 70%. Western blot analysis suggested an apoptotic cell death confirmed by the upregulation of Bax, cleaved PARP/caspase-3/8, cytochrome c, and t-bid. Additionally, cellular ROS accumulation and DNA damage were induced upon irradiation with blue light. When tested on a DMBA/TPA skin carcinogenesis model, a 90-min exposure to white light thrice weekly resulted in a significant decrease in tumor volumes/incidence compared to control and cisplatin groups, and restored normal morphological features, as confirmed by histopathology. Toxicological evaluation of ight-treated animals indicated a 100% survival rate, no skin irritation, no signs of discomfort or changes in body weight/behavior, and no toxicities to vital organs. Although these results must be confirmed by further studies, this research showed that short-exposure by commercially available high-intensity white LED light irradiation may be a promising approach for the treatment of superficial malignancies.

Sprayable β-FeSi2 composite hydrogel for portable skin tumor treatment and wound healing

The development of a rapid-forming in-situ sprayable hydrogel with the functions of tumor treatment and wound healing is essential for eliminating residual tumor tissue and promoting wound healing caused by surgical resection. On account of its semiconductor properties, β-FeSi2 (FS) was widely explored as a thermoelectric material. In this work, FS was first applied as a bioactive material for the application of tissue engineering. Excitedly, we found that FS could be used as a novel antitumor agent. It exhibited excellent photothermal performance, and the released Fe ions could generate •OH under the acidic conditions and excessive H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the sprayable β-FeSi2-incorporated sodium alginate (FS/SA) hydrogel was prepared as an instant gelation after spraying in situ, contributing to timely tumor-induced skin wound healing and efficiently suppressing tumors through photothermal and chemodynamic therapy (PTT and CDT). Furthermore, the released bioactive Fe and Si ions could promote the migration and differentiation of endothelial cells and the pro-angiogenesis of skin wounds. Accordingly, such sprayable hydrogel played an effective role in emergency wound treatment with the advantage of convenience and portability. Overall, with incorporation of FS into the sprayable FS/SA hydrogel, the composite hydrogel possessed dual functions of tumor therapy and skin wound healing.

Coaxially electrospun 5-fluorouracil-loaded PLGA/PVP fibrous membrane for skin tumor treatment

As a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) has been widely used as a carrier to achieve controlled drug delivery in various forms. Focusing on skin tumor treatment, herein 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was embedded into the core of coaxially electrospun PLGA fibers to get a drug-loaded core–shell fibrous membrane. In the coaxial electrospinning, poly(vinylpyrrolidone) was applied in the inner flow to facilitate the formation of the core–shell structured fibers. The morphology and micro-structure of the fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope. The influences of the molecular weights and chemical compositions of PLGA copolymers on the release behaviors were studied. The cytotoxicity of the fibers was characterized by cell proliferation and living-dead cell staining experiments. The results showed that faster release rates would be obtained if the copolymers were of lower molecular weights and higher fraction of glycidyl unit. All the prepared 5-FU loaded fibrous membranes were non-cytotoxic, suggesting their potential applications in skin tumor treatment.