Abridgment of Nanotechnology in Skin Cancer Treatment: Current Trends and Future Outlook

This chapter focuses on skin cancer, which is represented by the accumulation of cells in one part of the skin. It enhances the form of the cells which line up along the membrane and separates the deep layer of the skin from the superficial layer. The recent skin cancer treatment includes surgical or excision biopsy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, Mohs micrographic surgery, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, therapeutic hyperthermia, immunotherapy, etc. The drawback of skin cancer treatment with these therapies are skin irritation at the site of treatment and variation in the skin color or dark pigmentation after treatment, chances of cancer reoccurrence, longer treatment period and many more. Whereas, nanotechnology materials are used to deliver controlled and sustained drug dosage to skin cancer through the skin over a period of time without any skin irritation and other problems associated with recent treatments. The various kinds of nanotechnology products mentioned in this chapter offer numerous advantages for skin cancer, such as increased solubility, drug release in a sustained and controlled manner, better penetration through skin layers and precise site of action. This chapter discusses the various types and causes of skin cancer, current treatments and their limitations, as well as the role of nanotechnology and its products in skin cancer with its future outlook.

Keywords: Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, Melanoma, Nanotechnology, Nanoparticles, Radiation Therapy, Skin Cancer.