Advances of Microneedles for Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

July 2025 in “ MedComm – Biomaterials and Applications ”

Chunli Yang, Li Zhang, Siyi Wang, Aiguo Zhou, Run Tian, Maya Xiang, Ren Ya, Yang Yu, Rong Li, Maling Gou

TLDR Microneedles show promise for cancer diagnosis and treatment due to their minimally invasive nature and effective drug delivery.

Microneedles (MNs) are emerging as a promising technology for cancer diagnosis and therapy due to their minimally invasive nature and ability to perform interstitial fluid analysis and transdermal drug delivery. They offer potential in continuous biomarker monitoring and controlled release of various therapeutic agents, including chemotherapeutics and immunotherapeutics. The field has seen significant advancements in technology and materials, with several MN-based strategies currently under investigation in clinical trials. This review highlights the classification, design, and medical applications of MNs, including their role in managing cancer-associated pain and hair loss, while also discussing the challenges and future perspectives of MNs in cancer theranostics.

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Research cited in this study

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research Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia: What Is Available and What Is Coming?

4 citations , March 2023 in “Current Oncology”

Scalp cooling is the only FDA-approved method to prevent hair loss from chemotherapy, but other treatments like minoxidil and PRP are being tested.

research Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Loss

104 citations , January 2023 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

A holistic approach is needed to effectively address hair loss by understanding and influencing the hair growth cycle.

research 3D Printing of Microneedle Arrays for Hair Regeneration in a Controllable Region

16 citations , January 2023 in “Molecular Biomedicine”

3D-printed microneedles can precisely regrow hair in targeted areas.

research Dissolving Microneedles: Applications and Growing Therapeutic Potential

61 citations , June 2022 in “Journal of Controlled Release”

Dissolving microneedles show promise for delivering medication through the skin but face challenges like manufacturing complexity and regulatory hurdles.

research Permanent Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Treated With Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil

4 citations , February 2022 in “JAAD case reports”

The document concludes that low-dose oral minoxidil successfully regrew hair in a patient with permanent hair loss after chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

research Cancer-Related Alopecia: From Etiologies to Global Management

4 citations , November 2021 in “Cancers”

The document concludes that understanding and managing hair loss in cancer patients is important, and more research is needed for better treatments.

research A Comprehensive Review of Microneedles: Types, Materials, Processes, Characterizations, and Applications

86 citations , August 2021 in “Polymers”

Microneedles are effective for drug delivery, vaccinations, fluid extraction, and treating hair loss, with advancements in manufacturing like 3D printing.

research 3D Printing: A Touch-Button Approach to Manufacture Microneedles for Transdermal Drug Delivery

42 citations , June 2021 in “Pharmaceutics”

3D printing can make microneedles for drug delivery faster and cheaper.

research Permanent Alopecia in Breast Cancer Patients: Role of Taxanes and Endocrine Therapies

2 citations , March 2021 in “Cutis”

Some breast cancer treatments, like taxanes, can cause long-term hair loss.

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86 citations , July 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

Activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could lead to new hair loss treatments.

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163 citations , April 2019 in “Nature Communications”

Mechanical stretching of the skin can promote hair growth by activating certain immune cells.

research Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia Management: Clinical Experience and Practical Advice

48 citations , February 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The conclusion is to use scalp cooling, gentle hair care, and treatments like minoxidil for managing hair loss from chemotherapy, and stresses the need for more research and collaboration in this area.

research Organ-Level Quorum Sensing Directs Regeneration in Hair Stem Cell Populations

236 citations , April 2015 in “Cell”

Plucking some hairs can trigger nearby unplucked hairs to grow back more due to a collective response.

research Irreversible And Severe Alopecia Following Docetaxel Or Paclitaxel Cytotoxic Therapy For Breast Cancer

61 citations , April 2009 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”

Docetaxel and paclitaxel for breast cancer can cause permanent, severe hair loss.