Team 30
Microneedle Therapy for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Microneedle Therapy for Basal Cell Carcinoma
Team Members: Maren Eltze
Rachel Fisher
Anshul Krishnan
Jinpyo Seo
Team Mentors: Brent Vernon, Ph.D - SBHSE
Chandrashekhar P. Pathak, Ph.D - ASU
Laura A. Hansen, Ph.D - Creighton University School of Medicine
Jerold L. Powers, M.D - HonorHealth
Yul Yang, M.D., Ph.D - Mayo Clinic
YouTube Link: View the video link below before joining the zoom meeting
Zoom Link: https://asu.zoom.us/j/86032023084
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer, making up 80% of all skin cancers. Current treatment options include surgery or topical chemotherapy, which can cause large painful wounds and may lead to ulceration. Although BCC infrequently metastasizes and is seldom fatal, its potential size, superficial nature, and frequent localization to the head and neck make treatment favoring an optimal aesthetic result ideal. To combat these issues, we propose a novel design for a transdermal delivery mechanism for a traditionally orally-administered drug, Vismodegib, to treat superficial basal cell carcinoma. Quality systems were implemented through carefully outlining specifications and procedures for our product to ensure efficacy and compatibility with determined metrics. Following these processes, we developed a dominant design concept in which Vismodegib is applied through a transdermal delivery mechanism using in situ microneedles. This produces an aesthetic treatment option without the gastrointestinal symptoms that commonly result from current treatment options. This product is a solution of PLGA and Vismodegib that is applied through a microneedle array that achieves controlled localized release over time. This concept is analyzed using an in vitro release assay and virtual simulations in COMSOL to analyze the release of Vismodegib over time and its effect on BCC tumor suppression, respectively. The lower systemic concentration is expected to reduce the side effects of Vismodegib, which is a large challenge with current treatment methods. Currently the cost of creating this transdermal array is expected to be around $600 per unit.