Skin Cancer
Skin cancer poses a significant health challenge, but thanks to ongoing research and development, there have been remarkable advancements in therapy options. As a dedicated company, we are deeply committed to driving progress in the field of skin cancer therapy development services, diagnostics development services, and preclinical research services.
Overview of Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is a worrisome condition characterized by the aberrant proliferation of skin cells resulting from unregulated division of mutated cells. This uncontrolled growth gives rise to the development of tumors on the skin, which can be categorized as either benign or malignant. The main subtypes of skin cancer encompass squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and melanoma.
Pathogenesis of Skin Cancer
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds, is the primary instigator in the development of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can inflict harm to the DNA within skin cells, resulting in genetic mutations that initiate abnormal cell growth and eventually lead to the formation of skin cancer. Alongside UV radiation, several risk factors contribute to the susceptibility of developing skin cancer, such as a family history of the disease, fair skin, a compromised immune system, and exposure to certain chemicals or radiation.
Fig. 1 Therapy approaches for skin cancer. (Zeng L., et al., 2023)Targets of Skin Cancer Therapy
BRAF
The BRAF gene is responsible for encoding a protein kinase that plays a crucial role in various cellular signaling pathways. In the context of melanoma, it is frequently observed that mutations occur in the BRAF gene, which greatly contribute to the growth and survival of tumors.
EGFR
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is a vital cell surface receptor that plays a pivotal role in regulating the growth and division of cells. Interestingly, in both squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma, there is a notable occurrence of EGFR overexpression.
PD-1/PD-L1
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1 are immune checkpoint proteins that regulate the immune response. In some cases of advanced melanoma, cancer cells exploit the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway to evade immune surveillance.
Nanotechnology in Skin Cancer Therapy
- Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems
Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems offer a remarkable opportunity for precise and controlled release of anticancer medications. By encapsulating these drugs within nanoparticles, the researchers can enhance their stability, solubility, and specificity, ensuring optimal performance. These engineered nanoparticles possess the ability to selectively accumulate in tumor tissues, thereby maximizing drug concentration at the site of action while minimizing potential toxicity to healthy cells and tissues. - Nanotechnology in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
Photodynamic therapy harnesses the power of light-sensitive compounds known as photosensitizers. When these compounds are activated by light, they generate reactive oxygen species that specifically target and destroy cancer cells. To enhance the effectiveness of this therapy, nanoparticles can be utilized to deliver photosensitizers directly to tumor tissues. This targeted delivery system improves the accumulation of photosensitizers in the tumor, leading to enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
Our Services
At our company, we recognize the importance of early and accurate diagnosis of skin cancer. Our diagnostics development services, including omics analysis and biomarker development, enable precise identification and characterization of skin cancer subtypes.
Types of Skin Cancer
Therapy Development Platforms
Through extensive preclinical research, we rigorously evaluate the safety and efficacy of our therapies. Animal model development plays a crucial role in this process, as it allows us to simulate the complex biological environment of skin cancer in a controlled setting. Our company has established robust animal model development services, ensuring the availability of reliable models for testing novel therapeutics.
If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us for more details and quotation information of related services.
References
- Zeng L., et al. "Advancements in nanoparticle-based treatment approaches for skin cancer therapy." Molecular Cancer 22.1 (2023): 10.
- Dildar M., et al. "Skin cancer detection: a review using deep learning techniques." International journal of environmental research and public health 18.10 (2021): 5479.
All of our services and products are intended for preclinical research use only and cannot be used to diagnose, treat or manage patients.