Ethosomes as delivery system for treatment of melanoma: A mini-review

Abstract

Many dermatological diseases still do not have an adequate treatment, such as melanoma. The treatments are usually lengthy, complex, with low cure rates and with severe side effects. This leads to low patient compliance, generating recurrence and/or worsening of the disease. Ethosomes, which are phospholipid-based vesicles containing ethanol, have shown great potential as drug delivery systems for the treatment of melanoma and other skin diseases. The unique structure of ethosomes allows for enhanced skin penetration and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents to the target site, improving the efficacy of treatment. The use of ethosomes in melanoma treatment holds promise for overcoming the limitations of conventional therapies, offering the potential for improved patient outcomes, reduced treatment duration, and minimized side effects. In this mini-review we present the advances, challenges, limitations and advantages, and future perspectives of the use of ethosomes in the treatment of the melanoma.