Recent Advances in Drug Delivery Nanocarriers for Targeting Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the primary drivers of cancer-related death globally, owing to the ineffectiveness of treatments in intermediate and terminal stages—an issue that drug delivery therapy techniques are expected to address. Drug delivery that works therapeutic techniques necessitates the use of efficient and safe drug carriers, and recent improvements in drug delivery nanocarriers have had a significant impact on HCC targeted delivery. These nanocarriers, including liposomes, micelles, nanocapsules, polymers, exosomes, and inorganic nanoparticles, are accompanied by favorable unique properties such as small particle size, good biocompatibility and biodegradability, low immunogenicity, sustained and controlled release capacity, unique optical, magnetic and heat properties, high drug loading efficiency, and easy surface modification with targeting ligands. Moreover, studies have shown that these nanocarriers can achieve passive targeting or active targeting effect, which improves the therapeutic efficacy of drugs and decreases their side effects. In this paper, we provide a brief overview of some latest studies about nanocarriers for targeting HCC.