{"title":"Challenges in translating nanotechnology from research to clinical practice.","authors":"Yash, Bhavesh Dharmani, Rajwinder Kaur, Diksha Choudhary, Rohit Bhatia, Ankush Kumar, Arun Kumar Singh","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising frontier in the identification and treatment of skin cancer by offering innovative platforms for targeted drug administration, real-time imaging, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. Though preclinical results are promising and scientific enthusiasm is rising, the shift of nanotechnological breakthroughs from research laboratories to clinical environments remains hampered. The main translational problems preventing the clinical acceptance of nanomedicine in skin cancer treatment are investigated in this chapter. It explores obstacles like manufacturing scalability, reproducibility, regulatory uncertainty, clinical trial design restrictions, financial limits, and intellectual property complexity. Moreover, the chapter describes strategic ways to get beyond these obstacles: multidisciplinary cooperation, regulatory harmonization, and the inclusion of digital technologies into development pipelines together with artificial intelligence (AI). This chapter seeks to give a complete knowledge of what it takes to propel nanotechnology beyond the bench and into pragmatic, patient-centred applications in oncology by closely analysing both the challenges and possible solutions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"235-257"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825225","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Patient-centric approaches and personalized nanomedicine in skin cancer.","authors":"Umesh Kumar, Lakshita Tyagi, Garima Rathi, Satbir Singh Sehgal","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>One of the most common cancers in the world is still skin cancer, which includes both melanoma and non-melanoma forms like squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma. Non-specificity, drug resistance, recurrence, and patient response variability are some of the drawbacks of traditional treatment modalities. In order to overcome these obstacles and improve the treatment of skin cancer, this review investigates the combination of personalized nanomedicine and patient-centric care models. Patient-centric approaches place a high value on shared decision-making, customized treatment plans, and ongoing feedback via mobile health technologies and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). At the same time, personalized nanomedicine uses sophisticated nanocarriers like liposomes, dendrimers, and gold nanoparticles to deliver targeted, effective, and less toxic therapies by utilizing molecular profiling and biomarker-guided strategies. When these paradigms are applied in concert, precise drug delivery is made possible, therapeutic results are improved, and treatments are tailored to the biological and psychosocial characteristics of the patients. The potential for these integrative approaches to revolutionize standard care in dermatologic oncology is highlighted in this paper along with their recent developments, clinical uses, and potential future directions.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"289-316"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825395","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nanotechnology and immunotherapy synergies in skin cancer.","authors":"Aryan Borana, Prabha Rajput, Girdhari Lal Gupta, Mahaveer Singh, Saurabh Maru","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The world's most prevalent malignancy, skin cancer, is a major public health problem due to its high mortality, morbidity, and rising incidence. There are still limitations, such as off-target toxicity, risk of recurrence, and resistance to therapy, particularly in advanced disease, even with the progress in early detection and conventional therapies such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Employing the immune system of the body to generate targeted anti-tumor responses, immunotherapy is a game-changing strategy. Its broader success is, however, limited by clinical challenges, including immune evasion, low response rates, and adverse immune-related side effects. The application of nanotechnology to immunotherapy and theranostics is discussed in this chapter and presents a synergistic approach to refining the precision, efficacy, and individualization of skin cancer therapy. Real-time image-guided therapy, better local concentration, reduced systemic toxicity, and enhanced immunotherapeutic delivery are all facilitated through nanomaterials, ranging from liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles to metallic and carbon-based platforms. Molecular pathophysiology of the two most common types of skin cancer, melanoma and non-melanoma and most current immunotherapeutic strategies, clinical outcomes, and associated toxicities are discussed in this chapter. The applications of nanotechnology in theranostics for concurrent therapy and diagnosis, targeted delivery of checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, and adoptive cell therapy are highlighted with specific emphasis. Combinatorial nanoplatforms and bionanomaterials that can be programmed have the possibility to bypass tumor resistance and offer truly personalized treatment. The chapter concludes with consideration of the present clinical applications, challenges, and possible future directions of theranostics and nanotechnology-enabled immunotherapy for skin cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"259-287"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825405","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Steffy Mary Chandy, Sangeeta Dwivedi, Saurabh Maru, Rakhi Khabiya
{"title":"Nanotechnology in photodynamic and photothermal therapy for skin cancer.","authors":"Steffy Mary Chandy, Sangeeta Dwivedi, Saurabh Maru, Rakhi Khabiya","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin is the largest organ of the body, which comprises of 16 % of the body weight. It has layered structure which consists of epidermis and dermis and plays a crucial role in protection. Due to factors like UV exposure, there is rising global incidence and mortality of skin cancer and thus there is requirement for advanced treatment methods beyond current methods. So, leading to the exploration of nanotechnology-driven therapies that provide improved diagnostic capabilities, targeted drug delivery and minimized adverse effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizers that is activated by specific light wavelengths and offers minimal invasive treatment with the help of production of reactive oxygen species that destroy cancer cells. The challenges faced by conventional PDT is overcome by advancements such as targeted delivery systems, nanocarriers and oxygen-enhancing strategies. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is also a minimally invasive cancer treatment that uses absorbing agents like nanoparticles which absorb near-infrared (NIR) light. It destroys the cancer cells whiles sparing the healthy tissue by generation of localized heat. Nanotechnology significantly enhances both photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) by controlled drug release, precise tumour targeting and improved heat agent or photosensitizer stability. With the use of advanced nanocarriers and NIR-responsive systems greater efficacy in hypoxic environments, reduced side effects and deeper tissue penetration is achieved when compared to conventional approaches. While clinical translation faces challenges like scalability, standardization and safety ongoing advancements in theranostics, AI and biodegradable nanomaterials has the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes by overcoming these drawbacks.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"207-233"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825412","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Case studies and real-world applications of skin cancer.","authors":"Bhavesh Dharmani, Iresha Malhotra, Rajwinder Kaur, Diksha Choudhary, Arun Kumar Singh, Manoj Kumar Mishra","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer carries a significant global health concern; the incidence is further rising due to environmental exposure and genetic predisposition. In this chapter, nanotechnology is explored in the context of its practical and clinical importance for skin cancer diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It discusses, through real-world applications and case-based insights, how nanotechnology played a role in precise drug delivery, improved immunohistochemistry (i.e., for diagnosis and marking cells), and the manufacture of diagnostic tools for early detection. The manuscript emphasizes the use of nano enabled strategies like nanovaccines that modulate the immune system against tumor antigens, nano biosensors/ biomarker detectors, nano photothermal and photodynamic therapies. Furthermore, preventive nano-devices for high-risk people are presented in terms of wearable nano-devices that monitor ultraviolet exposure. Current literature and clinical outcomes allow this to be supported for each application, showcasing the integration of advanced materials science with oncology and how this benefits patient care. The chapter bridges theoretical innovation to clinical utility in dermatologic oncology through the example of these translational advances.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"467-483"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825282","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The role of theranostics and nanotheranostics in skin cancer management.","authors":"Shravani Mule, Renuka Maru, Saurabh Maru","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.014","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.014","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer remains one of the most significant global health issues due to its high prevalence and wide range of clinical outcomes. The management of skin cancer has changed as a result of recent developments in theranostics and nanotheranostics, which combine therapeutic and diagnostic modalities into single platforms to enable precision medicine and customized treatment. Current developments in molecular biomarkers, diagnostic technologies, epidemiology, and therapeutic approaches-such as immunotherapy and nanocarrier-based methods-are summarized in this review. Multimodal imaging, AI-powered diagnostic models, targeted molecular medicines, and risk assessment tools are some of the major advancements that have improved early identification, individualized care, and monitoring. Obstacles include tumor heterogeneity, safety issues, and regulatory restrictions that prevent widespread clinical translation still exist despite the success of preclinical and a few clinical uses. To further improve the efficacy of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment, future directions suggest the use of multiomics, consumer-driven digital health technologies, sophisticated nanomaterials, and AI-powered customisation. If remaining scientific and practical concerns are resolved, theranostics and nanotheranostics present intriguing opportunities for attaining high degrees of personalization, efficacy, and safety in the treatment of skin cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"317-354"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825504","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sakshi Verma, Prottay Dutta, Pran Kishore Deb, Ratna Ghosh, Katharigatta N Venugopala, Manik Ghosh
{"title":"Introduction to Nanotechnology in Dermatology.","authors":"Sakshi Verma, Prottay Dutta, Pran Kishore Deb, Ratna Ghosh, Katharigatta N Venugopala, Manik Ghosh","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.009","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.009","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nanotechnology has been one of the major fields that revolutionized biomedical science, enabling new diagnostics, therapy, and cosmetic dermatological applications. Nanomaterials are capable of overcoming the difficulties of the complex skin structure due to their ability to change size, having a large surface area, and permeating through biological barriers. The chapter gives a detailed review of nanotechnology applications in dermatology, starting with the basics and structure of skin barriers. Focus is made on the role of nanocarriers in skincare and cosmetics, with regard to the delivery of active ingredients, including how such products are used. The application of nanocarriers in dermatology and personal care, and the scientific mechanism behind the improved penetration of active ingredients through the stratum corneum and epidermis, is discussed. Many people are interested in how nanotechnology can aid in wound healing and whether it is applicable to human beings.The chapter analyses safety, toxicity and regulatory concerns, emphasizing on risk evaluation and ethical paradigm. The final sections discuss clinical translation, scalability, long-term safety and potential applications in personalised and precision dermatology.The purpose of this chapter is to provide academicians, clinicians, and industry the knowledge of the radical changes resulting from nanotechnology to the science (knowledge), treatment practices, and commercial enterprise of dermatology. The discussion underscores the potential of nanomedicine to improve patient outcomes as well as shape the future of preventive and cosmetic components of skin health.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"1-37"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825276","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rupesh Khalse, Nikhat Khan, Mohit Sharma, Saurabh Maru, Prajakta Patil
{"title":"Basics of skin cancer: Types, diagnosis, and current challenges.","authors":"Rupesh Khalse, Nikhat Khan, Mohit Sharma, Saurabh Maru, Prajakta Patil","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.03.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.03.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, with increasing incidence due to factors such as excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, genetic mutations, and immunosuppression. It is broadly classified into melanoma and non-melanoma types, with melanoma being the most aggressive and lethal form. Recent advances in understanding the molecular pathogenesis have highlighted key signalling pathways such as MAPK, PI3K/AKT, and Notch, along with mutations in genes like BRAF and p53, contributing to uncontrolled cell proliferation and tumour progression. Non-melanoma skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), present distinct pathological and histological features, yet share overlapping risk factors and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. Despite advances in histopathology, imaging technologies like confocal laser microscopy, optical coherence tomography, and high-frequency ultrasonography, as well as artificial intelligence-based models, early detection remains a significant hurdle, especially in darker skin types where presentation differs. Treatment efficacy is further complicated by the skin's complex biological barriers, drug resistance mechanisms, and the tumour microenvironment (TME), which impedes therapeutic delivery and immune responses. Emerging nanotechnology, novel biosensors, and AI-driven diagnostic tools hold promise for overcoming these barriers, offering potential for more precise, non-invasive detection and targeted therapies. Nonetheless, challenges such as high recurrence rates, treatment-associated toxicities, and substantial healthcare costs persist. A comprehensive understanding of skin cancer's molecular mechanisms, improved diagnostic accuracy, and development of innovative therapeutics remain critical for improving patient outcomes and reducing the global burden of skin cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"39-68"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825285","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Preclinical and clinical trials in nanotech skin cancer treatment.","authors":"Jeet Kumar Ghosh, Satyajit Mohanty, Tuhin Mukherjee, Pradip Jana, Swadesh Kumar Pattanik, Pranav Kumar Prabhakar","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.011","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.011","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer continues to be a major and increasing health problem all over the world, with increasing incidence rates of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. Conventional therapeutic treatments like surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy are often limited by systemic toxicity, poor selectivity, and issues with drug resistance. Nanotechnology offers innovative strategies to address these limitations by enabling targeted drug delivery, reducing off-target side effects, and enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Various nanocarrier formulations, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles (especially gold and silver), dendrimers and hybrids, are described for enhancing drug solubility, targeted delivery to specific sites and combination therapy. These platforms show promise in both topical and systemic administration for melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Preclinical studies have suggested that nanocarriers facilitate increased drug accumulation in tumor tissue, controlled release kinetics, and lower systemic toxicity. In vitro and in vivo studies, especially utilizing cell line and animal models, illustrate enhanced anti-tumor efficacy, immune modulation, and synergistic effects when multiple agents are co-delivered. Clinical trials primarily focus on adapting nanomedicine platforms, originally designed for other cancers, to skin cancer treatment. Examples include liposomal formulations like doxorubicin, nanoemulsion-based gels, and polymeric micelles. Early data suggest improved safety, higher local drug concentrations, and lower adverse effects compared to conventional drugs, but full regulatory approval specific to skin cancer is pending. The review emphasizes the main obstacles in translation, such as interspecies variation of response, technical challenges of making large quantities at scale, worries about long-term toxicity, red-tape and high development costs. However, personalized nanomedicine, AI incorporation, and theranostic nanocarriers provide a bright future to overcome these challenges. In conclusion, nanotechnology-enabled approaches show the potential to revolutionize skin cancer treatment through their ability to address challenges associated with conventional therapies and provide opportunities for specific, safe and efficient patient management. Continued interdisciplinary investigations and strong clinical verification will be necessary for their effective translation into routine practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"355-379"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gaurav Mude, Dr Mohammad Tauqeer Sheikh, Shweta Awatade, Shantilal Singune, Sanjay Nagdev
{"title":"Economic and Healthcare Implications of Nanotechnology in Skin Cancer.","authors":"Gaurav Mude, Dr Mohammad Tauqeer Sheikh, Shweta Awatade, Shantilal Singune, Sanjay Nagdev","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nanotechnology has transformed oncology, providing novel approaches for the detection, treatment, and management of skin cancer. This chapter examines the economic and healthcare ramifications of nanotechnology in skin cancer, emphasizing cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and the possible strain on healthcare systems. The incorporation of nanotechnology-driven therapeutics, including nanoparticle drug carriers, targeted treatments, and diagnostic nanodevices, has shown greater patient outcomes, less side effects, and increased drug bioavailability. Nonetheless, the substantial expenses associated with research, development, and regulatory approval provide obstacles to wider use. The chapter assesses the cost-benefit analysis of nanomedicine relative to traditional therapies from an economic standpoint, taking into account manufacturing expenses, reimbursement regulations, and market accessibility. Although early expenditures in nanotechnology are substantial, the long-term advantages-such as decreased hospitalizations, tailored treatment approaches, and improved therapeutic efficacy-could result in total cost reductions for healthcare systems. From a healthcare standpoint, nanotechnology offers prospects for enhancing early diagnosis, tailored medication delivery, and less invasive therapies, hence diminishing treatment-related problems. Nonetheless, issues like nanoparticle toxicity, prolonged safety concerns, and regulatory obstacles must be resolved. This chapter emphasizes the capability of nanotechnology to transform the economic and healthcare framework of skin cancer therapy. By harmonizing innovation with cost-effectiveness and accessibility, nanomedicine might enhance sustainable and efficient healthcare solutions, facilitating future progress in cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"485-518"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825239","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}