Nanomedicines for hepatocellular carcinoma therapy: Challenges and clinical applications

Abstract

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been recognized as one of the significant causes of mortality around the globe. In recent years, extensive research has been carried out to find a deep-rooted perception of mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of the disease to develop novel strategies for compassionate diagnostic and therapeutic tools. In this regard, nanotechnology has presented great opportunities in HCC diagnosis and treatment by selective and specific targeting, and efficient delivery to reach sufficient doses in targeted tumor areas without adverse influences or minimal damage to normal cells. Herein, different Nanomedicine-mediated strategies for HCC therapy are reviewed including stem cell therapy, photodynamic and photothermal therapy, sonodynamic therapy, gene therapy, and theranostics. Also, recent developments in nanomedicine are discussed for the preparation of HCC diagnostic and drug delivery systems, and their clinical status and future perspective are highlighted.