Melanoma treatment in the era of nanotechnology and precision medicine

J Nanobiotechnology. 2025 Dec 19;24(1):67. doi: 10.1186/s12951-025-03851-8.

Abstract

Imagine the future where melanoma, one of the most lethal types of skin cancer, is not a frightful diagnosis anymore but a challenge met with tailored precision medicine. Despite advances, its treatment remains hindered by the triple barrier of metabolic reprogramming, immune escape, and inefficient nano-delivery. This review explores the transformative intersection of nanotechnology methodologies and precision medicine, addressing the central question: how these barriers can be overcome to achieve durable and personalized responses? Beyond summarizing current progress, it introduces the Metabolism-Immune-Nano Collaborative (MIN-C) Framework as an integrated perspective, where molecular insights, patient-specific data, and innovative nanomaterials converge to redefine care. The analysis begins by dissecting melanoma genetic and molecular complexities as a systemic disease, revealing the interplay between driver mutations, immune escape mechanisms, and the many players of the tumor microenvironment. The discussion shifts to the pivotal role of nanotechnology as a powerful ally breaking delivery barriers, amplifying immune responses, and enabling real-time monitoring of disease progression. This article proposes using the TME metabolic reprograming as a starting point for the design of nanoimmunotherapy, rather than an endpoint, complemented by precision medicine guiding decisions through biomarkers and genomic profiling, ensuring that each intervention is as unique as the patient it serves.

Keywords: Biomarkers; Driver mutations; Genomic profiling; Immune escape mechanisms; Real-time monitoring; Targeted drug delivery; Tumor microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Immunotherapy / methods
  • Melanoma* / drug therapy
  • Melanoma* / therapy
  • Nanomedicine* / methods
  • Nanotechnology* / methods
  • Precision Medicine* / methods
  • Skin Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Tumor Microenvironment