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Slavkova M, Tzankov B, Popova T, Voycheva C. Gel Formulations for Topical Treatment of Skin Cancer: A Review. Gels 2023; 9:gels9050352. [PMID: 37232944 DOI: 10.3390/gels9050352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin cancer, with all its variations, is the most common type of cancer worldwide. Chemotherapy by topical application is an attractive strategy because of the ease of application and non-invasiveness. At the same time, the delivery of antineoplastic agents through the skin is difficult because of their challenging physicochemical properties (solubility, ionization, molecular weight, melting point) and the barrier function of the stratum corneum. Various approaches have been applied in order to improve drug penetration, retention, and efficacy. This systematic review aims at identifying the most commonly used techniques for topical drug delivery by means of gel-based topical formulations in skin cancer treatment. The excipients used, the preparation approaches, and the methods characterizing gels are discussed in brief. The safety aspects are also highlighted. The combinatorial formulation of nanocarrier-loaded gels is also reviewed from the perspective of improving drug delivery characteristics. Some limitations and drawbacks in the identified strategies are also outlined and considered within the future scope of topical chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Slavkova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Borislav Tzankov
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Teodora Popova
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Christina Voycheva
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Sofia, 1000 Sofia, Bulgaria
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Cocuz IG, Cocuz ME, Repanovici A, Sabău AH, Niculescu R, Tinca AC, Vunvulea V, Budin CE, Szoke AR, Popelea MC, Moraru R, Cotoi TC, Cotoi OS. Scientific Research Directions on the Histopathology and Immunohistochemistry of the Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Scientometric Study. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58101449. [PMID: 36295609 PMCID: PMC9611311 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58101449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is one of the most frequently occurring types of cancer in humans. Scientometric research is an innovative method for analyzing the research trends in various domains, with great implications in the field of medicine. Materials and Methods: We searched the Web of Science database with the following established query terms: “Squamous cell carcinoma”, “skin”, and “immunohistochemistry”. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 76 articles were selected. The present study aims to analyze, based on the frequency of use of keywords with scientometric algorithms and map-based distributions, the trends of the research concerning cSCCs in 2017–2022. Results: A graphical representation based on 11 scientometric maps presented the division of the keywords into seven clusters, from which seven categories of research interest were defined. The clusters represent a multidisciplinary approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cSCCs, cancer diagnostics, patient outcomes, histopathological importance, management of cSCCs, role of progression, and adequate treatment of and importance of immunohistochemistry for cSCCs. The distribution of the citations shows the importance of the available research on cSCCs by analyzing the first five most-cited articles included in our study in direct concordance with the seven defined clusters. Conclusion: The scientometric research method reveals the interest of research in the multidisciplinary approach used to obtain the best outcomes for the patient, including a targeted investigation, as well as diagnostic and treatment options. The trends in the research reveal that histopathological diagnostics and immunohistochemistry, combined with molecular techniques, are the most important tools used to establish a personalized diagnosis, thus increasing the quality of life and life expectancy for patients with cSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliu Gabriel Cocuz
- Doctoral School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Maria Elena Cocuz
- Fundamental Prophylactic and Clinical Disciplines Department, Faculty of Medicine, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500003 Brașov, Romania
- Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital of Brasov, 500174 Brasov, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Angela Repanovici
- Faculty of Product Design and Environment, Transilvania University of Brasov, 500036 Brasov, Romania
| | - Adrian-Horațiu Sabău
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Raluca Niculescu
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Andreea-Cătălina Tinca
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Vlad Vunvulea
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Corina Eugenia Budin
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Andreea Raluca Szoke
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | | | - Raluca Moraru
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Titiana Cornelia Cotoi
- Pharmaceutical Technique Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pharmacy No. 2, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Simion Cotoi
- Pathology Department, Mures Clinical County Hospital, 540011 Targu Mures, Romania
- Pathophysiology Department, University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology “George Emil Palade” of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
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Matias M, Pinho JO, Penetra MJ, Campos G, Reis CP, Gaspar MM. The Challenging Melanoma Landscape: From Early Drug Discovery to Clinical Approval. Cells 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34831311 PMCID: PMC8621991 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is recognized as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with high mortality and resistance to currently used treatments. To overcome the limitations of the available therapeutic options, the discovery and development of new, more effective, and safer therapies is required. In this review, the different research steps involved in the process of antimelanoma drug evaluation and selection are explored, including information regarding in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical trial phases. Details are given about the most used cell lines and assays to perform both two- and three-dimensional in vitro screening of drug candidates towards melanoma. For in vivo studies, murine models are, undoubtedly, the most widely used for assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. Here, the main melanoma murine models are described as well as other animal species. A section is dedicated to ongoing clinical studies, demonstrating the wide interest and successful efforts devoted to melanoma therapy, in particular at advanced stages of the disease, and a final section includes some considerations regarding approval for marketing by regulatory agencies. Overall, considerable commitment is being directed to the continuous development of optimized experimental models, important for the understanding of melanoma biology and for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Penetra
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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