Uveal melanoma is a highly aggressive intraocular tumour without effective therapeutic options. Now, a study lead by the Nanostructured systems for controlled drug delivery has shown the potential activity of Melatonin (MEL), a ubiquitously expressed endogenous molecule with oncostatic properties, when loaded into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). MEL-NLC displayed anti-inflammatory properties in vivo and cytotoxic potential in a uveal melanoma cell line without affecting non-tumoral cells. Preliminary biodistribution results also suggested their ability to reach the posterior segment of the eye, mainly the retina and the ciliary body, positioning them as a promising strategy for uveal melanoma treatment.
Article: Melatonin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for the treatment of uveal melanoma. Bonilla-Vidal L.; Espina M.; García M.L.; Cimino C.; Carbone C.; Baldomà L.; Badia J.; Gliszczyńska A.; Souto E.B.; Sánchez-López E. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, Volume 100, October 2024, Article number 106057