Chitosan Nanoparticles as Next Generation of Drug Carriers for Melanoma Treatment: A Review

Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer which accounts for about 1% of all diagnosed skin cancer cases in the United States. Metastatic melanoma is highly resistant to conventional treatments and the disease is highly refractory. Therefore, the development of new treatment strategies is crucial. The current drug delivery systems for melanoma therapy have certain disadvantages such as off-target drug delivery, low circulation time, toxic side effects, and the need for repeated drug administration. To address these challenges, polymeric nanoparticles have broken new grounds for melanoma treatment. Among different candidates, chitosan-based nanoparticles (ChNPs) have gained significant attention. Due to their excellent biocompatibility, non-immunogenicity, versatile properties, high stability, and low cost, therapeutic appeal towards these carriers is on the rise. In the current review, recent progress, applications, and challenges of ChNPs in melanoma treatment will be discussed.