Abstract 308: Therapeutic implications of silver nanoparticles in the management of skin cancer

Skin cancer (SC) is the most common carcinoma affecting 3 million people annually in the United Sates and millions of people worldwide. It is classified as melanoma skin cancer (MSC) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). NMSC represents approximately 80% of NMSC and includes squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). MSC, however, has a higher mortality rate than SC because of its ability to metastasize. SC is a major health problem in the United States with significant morbidity and mortality in the Caucasian population. Treatment options for SC include cryotherapy, excisional surgery, Mohs surgery, curettage and electrodessication, radiation therapy, photodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy. Treatments are chosen based on the type of skin cancer and the potential for side effects. Novel targeted therapies are being used with increased frequency for large tumors and for metastatic disease. The objective of this review is to highlight new chemotherapeutic agents that utilize silver nanoparticles in the management of SC. A scoping literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cancer Registry websites revealed that traditional chemotherapeutic drugs have little effect against SC after the cancer has metastasized. Following a discussion of SC biology, epidemiology, and treatment options, this review focuses on the mechanisms of advanced technologies that use silver nanoparticles in SC treatment regimens. Citation Format: Shaloam R. Dasari, Paul B. Tchounwou, Clement G. Yedjou, Robert T. Brodell, Allison Cruse. Therapeutic implications of silver nanoparticles in the management of skin cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 308.