Nanodelivery systems for cutaneous melanoma treatment

Harnessing Folate Receptors: A Comprehensive Review on the Applications of Folate-Adorned Nanocarriers for the Management of Melanoma

The advancement in exclusively tailored therapeutic delivery systems has escalated a great deal of interest in targeted delivery to augment therapeutic efficacy and to lessen adverse effects. The targeted delivery approach promisingly helps to surmount the unmet clinical needs of conventional therapies, including chemoresistance, limited penetration, and side effects. In the case of melanoma, various receptors were overexpressed on the tumor site, among which folate receptor (FR) targeting is considered to be a progressive approach for managing melanoma. FRs are the macromolecules of the glycosyl phosphatidylinositol-attached protein that possess globular assembly with a greater affinity toward specific ligands. So, the functional ligands can be utilized to design targeted nanocarriers (NCs) that can effectively bind to overexpressed FRs. Hence, folate-adorned NCs (FNCs) offer various benefits such as site-specific targeting, cargo protection, and minimizing toxicity. This review focuses on the insights and implications of FRs, targeting FRs, and mechanisms, challenges, and advantages of FNCs. Further, the applications of various FNCs, such as liposomes, polymeric NCs, albumin nanoparticles, inorganic NCs, liquid crystalline nanoparticles, and nanogels, have been elaborated for melanoma therapy. Likewise, the potential of FNCs in immunotherapy, photodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, gene therapy, photothermal therapy, and tumor imaging has been exhaustively discussed. Furthermore, translational hurdles and potential solutions are discussed in detail. The present review is expected to give thoughtful ideas to researchers, industry stakeholders, and formulation scientists for the efficacious development of FNCs.

Nano-Engineered Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Delivery Systems: Overcoming Bioavailability Barriers to Unlock Clinical Potential in Cancer Therapy

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a bioactive polyphenol derived from Camellia sinensis, exhibits multimodal anticancer activity through mechanisms such as apoptosis induction, metastasis suppression, and chemoresistance reversal. Despite its therapeutic promise, clinical application is constrained by rapid metabolism, poor bioavailability, and inconsistent biodistribution. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of innovative delivery systems including pH-responsive nanoparticles, lipid-polymer hybrids, and ligand-functionalized carriers that enhance EGCG stability, tumor targeting, and bioavailability by 3- to fivefold in preclinical models. These platforms also facilitate synergistic co-delivery with chemotherapeutics like doxorubicin, amplifying cytotoxicity and overcoming multidrug resistance. Mechanistically, EGCG modulates oncogenic pathways via NF-κB suppression, caspase activation, and MMP-9 downregulation, demonstrating efficacy across diverse cancer types. However, translational challenges persist, such as nanoparticle toxicity, variable tumor accumulation, and insufficient penetration in hypoxic microenvironments. Regulatory hurdles, including the lack of harmonized global standards for herbal medicinal products, further complicate clinical adoption. To bridge these gaps, future research must prioritize scalable cGMP-compliant manufacturing, rigorous preclinical toxicity profiling, and robust clinical trials to validate safety and efficacy. Addressing these issues could position nanoengineered EGCG as a paradigm-shifting therapy in precision oncology, aligning with ESCOP's mission to integrate evidence-based phytomedicines into conventional cancer care. This review underscores the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration to standardize phytopreparations, refine regulatory frameworks, and advance biomarker-driven clinical validation, ultimately unlocking the full potential of EGCG in modern therapeutics.

Quercetin Enhances 5-Fluorouracil-Driven Cytotoxicity Dose-Dependently in A375 Human Melanoma Cells

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) represents a severe skin cancer with a rising incidence at present and limited treatment options. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is widely used, including for CM; however, the innate resistance of this cancer to conventional therapy remains problematic. Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonoid that can sensitize cancer cells to antitumor agents such as 5-FU. However, the potential sensitization capability of CM cells to 5-FU has scarcely been determined, and is investigated herein. Therefore, A375 CM cells were tested in terms of their cell viability, cell confluence, and morphological changes. Their nuclear and cytoskeletal aspects, clonogenic potential, and in ovo properties were also followed. The results showed that the 50% inhibitory concentrations (IC50s) of 5-FU and QUE determined by a cell proliferation assay were 11.56 and 11.08 µM, respectively. The addition of QUE (10 µM) to 5-FU (5-50 µM) increased the cytotoxic potential. A significant decline in cell viability (up to 43.51%), the loss of cell confluence, chromatin condensation and nuclear dysmorphology, tubulin and F-actin constriction, and a suppressed clonogenic ability were noted. The QUE + 5-FU association was non-irritating to the chorioallantoic membrane and showed an antiangiogenic effect in ovo. Thus, our results highlight that combining QUE with 5-FU can enhance the cytotoxic effect of 5-FU in A375 melanoma cells and present a safe profile in ovo.

Phytotherapeutic potential of Campomanesia xanthocarpa (Mart.) O. Berg: antitumor effects in vitro and in silico, with emphasis on SK-MEL-28 melanoma cells-a study on leaf and fruit infusions

The study investigated the efficacy of Campomanesia xanthocarpa infusions on human melanoma cells (SK-MEL-28). The phytochemical profile revealed 18 phenolic compounds in the leaf infusion and 9 in the fruit infusion. After 24 h of treatment, the infusions demonstrated antineoplastic effects, reducing cell viability at all tested concentrations for the leaf infusion. For the fruit infusion, a significant reduction in cell viability was observed specifically at the 800 μg/mL concentration. Fluorescence microscopy and mitochondrial membrane potential results indicated that the leaf infusion was more effective in reducing cell viability and mitochondrial function in SK-MEL-28 cells, possibly due to its greater variety of phenolic compounds compared to the fruit infusion. The leaf infusion also induced higher production of intracellular reactive oxygen species compared to the fruit infusion. Protein sulfhydryl levels were reduced for the leaf infusion. Epigallocatechin gallate, Isoquercitrin, Rutin, Kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, Chlorogenic acid, and Ellagic acid were identified as the main compounds with activity against SK-MEL-28 cells. Molecular docking analysis underscored factors such as affinity, cavity size, binding mode, and contact residues with specific compounds chosen for their favorable properties in targeting BRAF, CDK4, CDK6, MEK1, and MEK2. The variability in binding affinities may directly influence the compounds' ability to inhibit different signaling pathways related to cancer cell growth and proliferation. The results suggest that phenolic compounds from C. xanthocarpa extracts have therapeutic potential and could contribute to melanoma therapies.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40203-024-00286-1.

Improving Skin Cancer Treatment by Dual Drug Co-Encapsulation into Liposomal Systems-An Integrated Approach towards Anticancer Synergism and Targeted Delivery

Skin cancer is a high-incidence complex disease, representing a significant challenge to public health, with conventional treatments often having limited efficacy and severe side effects. Nanocarrier-based systems provide a controlled, targeted, and efficacious methodology for the delivery of therapeutic molecules, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy, the protection of active molecules from degradation, and reduced adverse effects. These features are even more relevant in dual-loaded nanosystems, with the encapsulated drug molecules leading to synergistic antitumor effects. This review examines the potential of improving the treatment of skin cancer through dual-loaded liposomal systems. The performed analysis focused on the characterization of the developed liposomal formulations' particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug release, and in vitro and/or in vivo therapeutic efficacy and safety. The combination of therapeutic agents such as doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, cetuximab, celecoxib, curcumin, resveratrol, quercetin, bufalin, hispolon, ceramide, DNA, STAT3 siRNA, Bcl-xl siRNA, Aurora-A inhibitor XY-4, 1-Methyl-tryptophan, and cytosine-phosphate-guanosine anionic peptide led to increased and targeted anticancer effects, having relevant complementary effects as well, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities, all relevant in skin cancer pathophysiology. The substantial potential of co-loaded liposomal systems as highly promising for advancing skin cancer treatment is demonstrated.

Oxidative State in Cutaneous Melanoma Progression: A Question of Balance

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly bioactive molecules involved not only in tissue physiology but also in the development of different human conditions, including premature aging, cardiovascular pathologies, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, inflammatory diseases, and cancer. Among the different human tumors, cutaneous melanoma, the most aggressive and lethal form of skin cancer, is undoubtedly one of the most well-known "ROS-driven tumor", of which one of the main causes is represented by ultraviolet (UV) rays' exposure. Although the role of excessive ROS production in melanoma development in pro-tumorigenic cell fate is now well established, little is known about its contribution to the progression of the melanoma metastatic process. Increasing evidence suggests a dual role of ROS in melanoma progression: excessive ROS production may enhance cellular growth and promote therapeutic resistance, but at the same time, it can also have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, inducing their apoptosis. In this context, the aim of the present work was to focus on the relationship between cell redox state and the signaling pathways directly involved in the metastatic processes. In addition, oxidative or antioxidant therapeutic strategies for metastatic melanoma were also reviewed and discussed.

Exploring a specialized programmed-cell death patterns to predict the prognosis and sensitivity of immunotherapy in cutaneous melanoma via machine learning

The mortality and therapeutic failure in cutaneous melanoma (CM) are mainly caused by wide metastasis and chemotherapy resistance. Meanwhile, immunotherapy is considered a crucial therapy strategy for CM patients. However, the efficiency of currently available methods and biomarkers in predicting the response of immunotherapy and prognosis of CM is limited. Programmed cell death (PCD) plays a significant role in the occurrence, development, and therapy of various malignant tumors. In this research, we integrated fourteen types of PCD, multi-omics data from TCGA-SKCM and other cohorts in GEO, and clinical CM patients to develop our analysis. Based on significant PCD patterns, two PCD-related CM clusters with different prognosis, tumor microenvironment (TME), and response to immunotherapy were identified. Subsequently, seven PCD-related features, especially CD28, CYP1B1, JAK3, LAMP3, SFN, STAT4, and TRAF1, were utilized to establish the prognostic signature, namely cell death index (CDI). CDI accurately predicted the response to immunotherapy in both CM and other cancers. A nomogram with potential superior predictive ability was constructed, and potential drugs targeting CM patients with specific CDI have also been identified. Given all the above, a novel CDI gene signature was indicated to predict the prognosis and exploit precision therapeutic strategies of CM patients, providing unique opportunities for clinical intelligence and new management methods for the therapy of CM.

Keratinocyte Exosomes for Topical Delivery of Tofacitinib in Treatment of Psoriasis: an In Vitro/ In Vivo Study in Animal Model of Psoriasis

INTRODUCTION

Exosomes are extracellular vesicles in the range of 40-150 nm released from the cell membrane. Exosomes secreted by keratinocytes can communicate with other keratinocytes and immune cells with specific biomarkers at their surface, which may be effective on inflammation of psoriasis and its pathogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to formulate and study effectiveness of an exosomal delivery system of tofacitinib (TFC).

METHODS

TFC was loaded by different methods in exosomes and then characterized for particle size, zeta potential, drug loading efficiency, and release efficiency. By comparing these parameters, the probe sonication method was chosen to load TFC into exosomes. The MTT assay was used to compare the cytotoxicity of the free drug with the TFC-loaded exosomes (TFC-Exo), and Real-time PCR was used to determine the expression levels of several genes involved in psoriasis expressed in the A-431 keratinocyte and their suppression after treatment. Animal model of psoriasis was induced in BALB/c mice by imiquimod and the efficacy of free TFC, and TFC-Exo were studies on macroscopic appearance and histopathological symptoms.

RESULTS

Exosomes encapsulating TFC showed lower cytotoxicity in MTT assay, higher suppression the expression of TNF-a, IL-23, IL-6, and IL-15 genes in real-time PCR and better therapeutic effect on animal models compered to free TFC.

CONCLUSIONS

This method of drug delivery for TFC may be effective on enhancing its therapeutic effects and reduction its side effects favorably in chronic administration.

Exploring the complexities of drug formulation selection, storage, and shelf-life for exploration spaceflight

Medications have been a part of space travel dating back to the Apollo missions. Currently, medical kits aboard the International Space Station (ISS) contain medications and supplies to treat a variety of possible medical events. As we prepare for more distant exploration missions to Mars and beyond, risk management planning for astronaut healthcare should include the assembly of a medication formulary that is comprehensive enough to prevent or treat anticipated medical events, remains safe and chemically stable, and retains sufficient potency to last for the duration of the mission. Emerging innovation and technologies in pharmaceutical development, delivery, quality maintenance, and validation offer promise for addressing these challenges. The present editorial will summarize the current state of knowledge regarding innovative formulary optimization strategies, pharmaceutical stability assessment techniques, and storage and packaging solutions that could enhance drug safety and efficacy for future exploration spaceflight missions.

Skin cancer: understanding the journey of transformation from conventional to advanced treatment approaches

Skin cancer is a global threat to the healthcare system and is estimated to incline tremendously in the next 20 years, if not diagnosed at an early stage. Even though it is curable at an early stage, novel drug identification, clinical success, and drug resistance is another major challenge. To bridge the gap and bring effective treatment, it is important to understand the etiology of skin carcinoma, the mechanism of cell proliferation, factors affecting cell growth, and the mechanism of drug resistance. The current article focusses on understanding the structural diversity of skin cancers, treatments available till date including phytocompounds, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, photothermal therapy, surgery, combination therapy, molecular targets associated with cancer growth and metastasis, and special emphasis on nanotechnology-based approaches for downregulating the deleterious disease. A detailed analysis with respect to types of nanoparticles and their scope in overcoming multidrug resistance as well as associated clinical trials has been discussed.

Exploring the Complex and Multifaceted Interplay between Melanoma Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment

Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer, characterized by a heterogeneous nature and high metastatic potential. The incidence of melanoma is continuously increasing worldwide, and it is one of the most common cancers in young adults. In the past twenty years, our understanding of melanoma biology has increased profoundly, and disease management for patients with disseminated disease has improved due to the emergence of immunotherapy and targeted therapy. However, a significant fraction of patients relapse or do not respond adequately to treatment. This can partly be explained by the complex signaling between the tumor and its microenvironment, giving rise to melanoma phenotypes with different patterns of disease progression. This review focuses on the key aspects and complex relationship between pathogenesis, genetic abnormalities, tumor microenvironment, cellular plasticity, and metabolic reprogramming in melanoma. By acquiring a deeper understanding of the multifaceted features of melanomagenesis, we can reach a point of more individualized and patient-centered disease management and reduced costs of ineffective treatments.