{"title":"Current challenges in skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.","authors":"Tejal Bele, Jineetkumar Gawad, Sushil Dagadu Patil, Manojkumar Jadhao, Saurabh Maru, Vishal Gokul Beldar","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.010","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.010","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer comprises a significant global health challenge, exacerbated by escalating ultraviolet radiation exposure, inherent genetic predispositions, and inequities in access to early diagnostic interventions. This chapter integrates contemporary insights concerning both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, elucidating their epidemiological patterns, biological determinants, and the diagnostic complexities related with early or atypical manifestations. Traditional diagnostic modalities-such as clinical assessment, dermoscopy, and self-evaluation of the skin are crucial yet constrained by subjectivity, variability in practitioner expertise, and challenges in recognizing subtle lesions. These constraints have catalyzed the progression of sophisticated non-invasive technologies, including reflectance confocal microscopy, total body photography, teledermatology, electrical impedance spectroscopy, and genomic adhesive-patch testing, each of which promises improved diagnostic accuracy and the capability to mitigate unnecessary biopsies. Current treatment approaches emphasize surgery for localized disease, supplemented by radiotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and laser techniques when surgery is impractical. Targeted therapies like BRAF and MEK inhibitors provide precision for specific tumors, while combination strategies aim to overcome resistance and improve treatment durability. Swift advancements in nanotechnology, microneedle delivery systems, and topical or patch-based formulations present promising strategies for improved and enhanced dermal penetration, and minimized systemic toxicity. The chapter emphasizes the persistent evolution towards previous detection, minimally invasive diagnostic techniques, and personalized therapeutic approaches. Ongoing progressions in imaging technologies, molecular profiling, immunotherapeutic strategies, and nanomedicine are anticipated to redefine future therapeutic standards.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"69-117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825255","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":"Therapeutic nanoparticles and targeted therapy.","authors":"Vihaa Sriee Maambulikavil Ganesan, Meethu Gunasekaran, Janani Jayakumar, Ajit Prakash, Saravanan Periasamy","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.006","DOIUrl":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.006","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer is considered one of the most significant malignancies worldwide, arising primarily from epidermal keratinocytes or melanocytes and influenced by genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Conventional therapies, including chemical treatments, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and antibody immunotherapy, though most effective in the early stages, often present significant limitations including such as systemic toxicity, recurrence, drug resistance, and cosmetic or psychological impacts. In recent years, nanotechnology has emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these challenges by enabling targeted, efficient, and minimally invasive therapeutic approaches. Nanoparticles, with their tunable size, surface properties, and biocompatibility, facilitate site-specific drug delivery, improve solubility of poorly soluble agents, and prolong drug circulation time while minimizing off-target effects. Diverse nanocarrier systems-liposomes, niosomes, dendrimers, micelles, nanospheres, nanoemulsions, and metallic nanoparticles-have been investigated for skin cancer therapy, offering improved penetration across the stratum corneum, controlled release, and enhanced drug retention. Functional modifications such as PEGylation and ligand attachment further optimize stability, immune evasion, and receptor-mediated targeting. Moreover, nanotechnology integrates diagnostic and therapeutic potential through theranostic applications, enabling simultaneous imaging, monitoring, and treatment of skin malignancies. Despite regulatory and translational challenges, advancements in nanoparticle-based therapeutics represent a paradigm shift in precision dermatologic oncology, offering safer, more effective, and patient-friendly interventions. This chapter highlights recent progress, clinical perspectives, and future directions in nanotechnology-enabled skin cancer therapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"173-205"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825469","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":"Nanocarriers for drug delivery in skin cancer.","authors":"Tejas Gunjal, Shravani Mule, Kiran Gunjal, Sonal Gaur, Jaswinder Singh, Atiyabanu Nagingar, Renuka Maru, Saurabh Maru","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This chapter will thoroughly examine how the landscape of skin cancer therapeutics is changing with a particular focus on the fact that nanotechnology has resulted in a transformative advancement in drug delivery systems. It starts by providing a summary of the epidemiology of skin cancer, and the treatment difficulties that are associated with conventional modalities, including surgery, radiotherapy, and topical chemotherapy, and their shortcomings. The wide variety of nanocarriers, including lipid-based systems, polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers, and inorganic platforms like gold nanoparticles and quantum dots, are then discussed along with their physicochemical properties, the mechanism of improved drug solubility, stability, bioavailability, and targeted activity. The hybrid and stimuli-sensitive delivery systems that are intended to be delivered on the site of action in response to internal (pH, redox, enzyme) or exterior (light, temperature, magnetic field) stimuli receive particular attention. The efforts to optimize therapeutic utility and reduce toxicity in the off-target tissues through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) impact and ligand-based targeting are among the passive and active tumor targeting mechanisms that are taken into consideration.The chapter ends with a discussion on the recent research, combination therapies, theranostics, and future on clinical translation of nanotechnology-based methods in managing skin cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"119-146"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825350","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":"Futuredirections in nanotechnology for skin cancer.","authors":"Shivani Manglic, Neetu Rani, Preeti Chaudhary, Divya Shrivastava, Jyoti Chaudhary, Saurabh Maru, Anil Kumar Mavi, Amarjeet Singh","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.015","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.015","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin cancer, encompassing non-melanoma types such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and the more lethal melanoma, remains a global health burden. Traditional therapies-including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy-often encounter limitations like toxicity, drug resistance, and low specificity. Nanotechnology offers transformative potential by enabling targeted, efficient drug delivery through carriers such as liposomes, dendrimers, and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). These nanocarriers enhance drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability, while passive, active, and stimuli-responsive targeting mechanisms improve precision in delivery. Controlled drug release is governed by diffusion, solvent interaction, degradation, or external triggers such as pH, temperature, and magnetic or electric fields. Lipid-based nanocarriers, including SLNs, liposomes, and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), are particularly effective for poorly water-soluble drugs, allowing dual-phase release and enhanced penetration. Drug-release kinetics can be modeled using equations such as Korsmeyer-Peppas, Higuchi, and zero-order kinetics. Additionally, inorganic nanoparticles (INPs) like gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and quantum dots offer multifunctional roles in imaging, therapy, and tumor targeting due to their unique physicochemical properties. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), particularly when enhanced through nanocarriers, offer minimally invasive solutions for melanoma. Formulations using photosensitizers like indocyanine green, chlorin e6, and phthalocyanines have demonstrated improved ROS production and tumor regression. Hybrid systems combining PDT/PTT with targeted delivery and immune modulation further amplify therapeutic outcomes. Overall, nanotechnology represents a promising frontier in skin cancer treatment, offering improved efficacy, reduced side effects, and enhanced precision.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"417-465"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825264","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 in skin cancer diagnosis.","authors":"Sangeeta Dwivedi, Steffy Mary Chandy, Neha Sisodiya, Saurabh Maru, Rakhi Khabiya","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Skin is very sensitive organ for carcinogen and mutagens. Abnormal growth of skin cells leads to in skin cancer which is notable health concern globally. It can be divided into two types Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) and Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC). Prolonged exposure to UV sunlight and increasing pollution are major causes of skin cancer. A significant number of deaths are associated with this condition. Moreover, the cost related to its diagnosis and treatment is increasing day by day. Various optical technologies like wavelength-based imaging, Fluorescence microscopy (with confocal optics), optical coherence reflectometry, three-dimensional surface mapping, mole mapping, and multiphoton laser imaging are applied for skin lesion diagnosis. The accuracy of the diagnosis of cancer by each of those methods is still debatable. Conventional methods have certain major side effects which impart negative effects on patient health. early identification and treatment of skin cancer can notably improve patient outcomes. From last few years new techniques for diagnosis of skin cancer have gained increased attention. Among them, nanotechnology technology has offered newer molecular diagnostic tools and bio imaging tools that have revolutionized the concept of diagnosis of skin cancer. The integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms in diagnosis of skin cancer will give new and innovative detection in primary health care setting. Therefore, this chapter focuses on recent innovation with advance nanotechnology techniques for early skin cancer detection, highlighting their respective advantages and limitations.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"147-171"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825367","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":"Safety, ethical, and regulatory considerations in nanotechnology for skin cancer.","authors":"Lokesh Badgugar, Saurabh Maru, Neha Sisodiya, Renuka Maru, Sinoy Sugunan","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.008","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2026.02.008","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The rising prevalence of skin cancer worldwide emphasizes the critical need for novel therapeutic and diagnostic approaches that go beyond conventional methods. Through improved drug delivery, targeted therapy, and sophisticated diagnostic applications, nanotechnology holds revolutionary promise in the field of oncology. The safety, ethical, and regulatory aspects of nanotechnology's multifaceted role in the treatment of skin cancer are highlighted in this chapter. Systemic toxicity is reduced by nanoparticles with enhanced biocompatibility, site-specific drug delivery, and imaging precision, such as liposomes, polymeric carriers, metallic nanostructures, and quantum dots. In spite of these developments, issues with biodistribution, long-term toxicity, and possible genotoxic effects still continue to impact nanomedicine. Informed consent, fair access, environmental sustainability, and data privacy are ethical factors to be taken into account in clinical applications and nanomedical research. ssAdditionally, regulatory frameworks are still evolving as international organizations like the FDA and EMA keep establishing guidelines for post-market surveillance, safety evaluation, and characterization. The chapter emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary cooperation in ensuring the responsible development, moral application, and thorough evaluation of nanotechnology-based interventions. Transforming nanotechnological advancements into safe and efficient treatments for patients with skin cancer requires the integration of safety testing, ethical consideration, and standardized international regulation.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"169 ","pages":"381-415"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147825459","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}
Leilei Zhang, Milagros Junco, Danyelle M Townsend, Eduardo N Maldonado
{"title":"Enzymes of the outer mitochondrial membrane regulating cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in cancer.","authors":"Leilei Zhang, Milagros Junco, Danyelle M Townsend, Eduardo N Maldonado","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.06.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2025.06.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mitochondria are major sites of ATP production, also serving as metabolic and biosynthetic hubs. The structure of mitochondria comprises a matrix enclosed by an inner membrane which is separated from the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) by the intermembrane space. The OMM is a lipid bilayer that forms an interphase between mitochondria and the surrounding cytosol. While its primary function is to act as a selective barrier, controlling the exchange of molecules between these two cellular compartments, the OMM also plays a crucial role in various metabolic and regulatory processes. It is home to 114 distinct proteins, including transporters, signaling molecules, and structural components. Among these, approximately 30 are enzymes that actively participate in the regulation of lipid metabolism, amino acid processing, calcium homeostasis, and heme biosynthesis. These enzymatic functions highlight the OMM's significance beyond its structural role, positioning it as a key player in cellular energy balance, apoptosis, and intracellular signaling pathways. Here, we focus on OMM proteins involved in the synthesis and utilization of cholesterol and fatty acids. We describe the mechanisms of action, effects, regulation, association with cancer progression, and their potential as pharmacological targets of the steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR), translocator protein (TSPO), acetyl-CoA carboxylase β (ACCβ), acyl-CoA synthetases long chain family member 1 and 6 (ACSL1 and ACSL6), and carnitine palmitoyl transferases 1A and 1B (CPT1A and CPT1B). Overall, we provide a comprehensive view of these OMM enzymes in non-cancerous and cancer cells as well as their potential as targets for developing novel chemotherapies.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"168 ","pages":"63-97"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145535119","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":"Cerebrospinal fluid considerations in glioma.","authors":"Shelei Pan, Jennifer M Strahle","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.002","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.002","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulates in the ventricular system and subarachnoid space, and through its interaction with interstitial fluid, facilitates nutrient and waste exchange to support the functional needs of cells in the brain and spinal cord. In the setting of primary brain tumors, CSF has been implicated in tumor pathogenesis by serving as both a reservoir and vehicle for factors which may support tumor progression, therefore contributing to the tumor microenvironment. Pathological manifestations of CSF in the setting of brain tumors include hydrocephalus due to tumor obstruction of CSF pathways, CSF seeding and leptomeningeal metastasis, and transependymal flow. CSF also has roles as a reservoir for biomarkers important in brain tumor detection and as a site for direct delivery of therapeutic agents to bypass the blood brain barrier. Despite the intimate association between CSF and brain tumors, few studies have investigated mechanisms of local and global alterations of fluid flow in the setting of glioma, the most common malignant primary brain tumor in the central nervous system. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in our understanding of the roles, implications, regulations, and diagnostic/therapeutic implications of CSF in glioma and how they may be leveraged for research and clinical application.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"33-57"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661435","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":"Liquid biopsy in the diagnosis of primary brain tumors.","authors":"Tejus A Bale, Ingo K Mellinghoff, Maya S Graham","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.004","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The diagnosis of primary brain tumors at presentation and with progression presents unique challenges, in part due to the inherent risks and limitations of neurosurgical sampling. Emerging liquid biopsy techniques analyzing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are potentially revolutionary, affording a minimally invasive means of collecting valuable tumor-related information. Here we review the most salient factors contributing to successful detection of CSF ctDNA, the most developed ctDNA assay techniques and the clinical contexts in which CSF liquid biopsy has been applied. Future opportunities for liquid biopsy advancement are also explored. Integration of these techniques into routine clinical care will require rigorous validation through clinical trials and standardization of assay pipelines but holds great promise for the future of neuro-oncology.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"81-102"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661437","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":"Molecularly driven therapies in the treatment of primary brain tumors.","authors":"Ruham Alshiehk Nasany, Macarena I de la Fuente","doi":"10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.005","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.acr.2025.05.005","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Molecular profiling has revolutionized the diagnosis, classification, and treatment of various cancers, with advances in next-generation sequencing and DNA methylation profiling offering unprecedented insights into tumor biology. This paradigm shift has enhanced the understanding of driver mutations in cancers translating into improved patient outcomes. In primary brain tumors, particularly gliomas, molecular profiling has redefined classification frameworks, yet meaningful improvements in patient survival remain elusive, particularly for glioblastoma. However, recent strides in molecularly targeted therapies have led to landmark FDA approvals, including agents such as vorasidenib for IDH-mutant gliomas, the combination of dabrafenib trametinib for BRAF mutated tumors, and TRK inhibitors for NTRK fusion-positive tumors. While conventional treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy remain the standard of care for gliomas, the integration of molecular-driven therapies is beginning to shape clinical management strategies. This article explores the evolving role of molecularly targeted treatments in adult primary brain tumors, examining their current applications and future potential.</p>","PeriodicalId":94294,"journal":{"name":"Advances in cancer research","volume":"166 ","pages":"183-201"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144661503","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}