Integrated therapeutic strategies for various cutaneous malignancies: Advances and challenges of multifunctional microneedle patches toward clinical translation

•Advances in the application of MNP for different skin malignancies are sorted out.•The synergistic treatment of MNP for skin malignancy is summarized.•Symptom management and indicator monitoring ability of MNP are explored.•Translation challenges in production, storage, and side effects are addressed. The rising incidence of cutaneous malignancies presents ongoing therapeutic challenges. While surgery is the primary treatment modality, its limitations, including complications such as non-healing wounds and scarring, necessitate adjunctive therapies for optimal outcomes. But conventional methods like chemotherapy and phototherapy often fail to meet these needs. In response, microneedle patches (MNPs) have emerged, offering simultaneous delivery of multiple therapies directly to tumor sites. This review delves into three critical aspects of MNPs in treating skin malignancies: 1) what are the therapeutic combinations for different tumors? 2) what potential does MNP offer in the management of tumor-related symptoms? and 3) how to select suitable materials and design rational structures for enhanced therapeutic efficacy? Focusing on skin melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell carcinoma, we examine MNPs’ capacity for integrated multi-therapy, as well as their role in managing hemorrhage, pain, postoperative wounds, scars, and tumor indicators. Additionally, considerations for MNP storage, transportation, and side effects are discussed, emphasizing material selection and structural design. The review also discussed the ongoing dilemmas and future perspectives of MNPs in the clinical translation and application for cutaneous malignancies.