Using gold nanoparticles in diagnosis and treatment of melanoma cancer

Abstract

Several studies have been devoted to clear functionalization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in different fields such as cellular and molecular biology, microbiology, immunology and physiology. In line with the high diagnostic value of AuNPs, its therapeutic application has been intensively developed in tumour therapy, in recent years. One of the best clinical applications of AuNPs is its use in targeted delivery of anti-cancer drugs. Recent studies have focused on the application of AuNPs to treat melanoma - a malignant neoplasm sourced from melanocytes skin cells - with poor prognosis in advanced stages. Furthermore, early diagnosis can be successfully achieved through utilizing this technique even at early stages with localized distribution. Herein, this study details the previous researches focusing on the use of AuNPs as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic option in management of melanoma.

Keywords: Gold nanoparticles; cancer; drug delivery; melanoma; targeted therapy.