South African scientists have made a major breakthrough in the fight against skin cancer by developing a new treatment that combines cutting-edge nanotechnology with nature’s own medicine.
The researchers at Wits University’s Advanced Drug Delivery Platform (WADDP), who published their findings in the journal Pharmaceutics, created a dual-action therapy using nanoparticles that deliver cancer-fighting substances directly to melanoma cancer cells.
Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, and rates are particularly high in sun-exposed countries such as South Africa.
The innovative treatment uses two key ingredients: curcumin, a natural compound found in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, and interferon-alpha, a medical drug that boosts the body’s immune response to cancer.
But rather than delivering these compounds via pills or injections that affect the whole body, the researchers developed a system that delivers the treatment exactly where it is needed — to the cancer site on the skin.
The result is a two-in-one nanoparticle system. The first type of nanoparticle is made from iron oxide, which is combined with curcumin to allow quick delivery to the cancer cells. The second type is made from a biodegradable material called PLGA (polylactic-coglycolic acid) and contains interferon-alpha. It releases the medicine slowly, giving the immune system time to respond effectively.
Dr Mershen Govender, a co-author of the study, said treatments for skin cancer often come with numerous side effects, with recurrence being a major concern.
He said the application of “a targeted combination of nanomedicines with different release properties” directly to the skin cancer could reduce the side effects associated with traditional treatments.
“Conventional skin cancer therapy through oral and intravenous administration exposes the drugs to the whole body, which often results in serious adverse effects that impact patient quality-of-life,” Govender said.
“Our aim is to deliver drug molecules only where they are required, protecting the rest of the body from unwanted effects.”
The director of the research unit, Prof Yahya Choonara, said: “The results of this study show the potential of combining natural bioactives with conventional pharmaceutical treatments for improved outcomes.”
Laboratory tests on melanoma cancer cells showed remarkable results. When used separately, both curcumin and interferon-alpha had some effect, but together they were far more powerful in destroying cancer cells.
Even more promising, healthy skin cells were left mostly unharmed. The technology is still in its early stages, but it holds great promise.
The researchers say they are planning further studies, including using advanced 3D models that better mimic real human skin. Clinical trials on patients would be further down the road.
The team is also working on formulations designed to improve penetration of the skin by skin cancer medication.
The research forms part of a broader scientific collaboration between the WADDP and the Infectious Diseases and Oncology Research Institute at Wits University, aiming to develop smarter drug delivery systems for both cancer and infectious diseases.
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