Title:Application of Nanotechnology in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Volume: 11
Issue: 3
Author(s): Xiao-Yang Hou, Guan Jiang, Chun-Sheng Yang, Jian-Qin Tang, Zhi-Ping Wei and Yan-Qun Liu
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Active targeting, EPR effect, gene therapy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), nanotechnology, passive targeting,
clinical trials.
Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide.
However, the inherent limitations of traditional surgery and insensitivity to radiation and chemotherapy
result in failing treatment and poor prognosis. In recent years, the development and advances of
nanotechnology has brought new hope for the diagnosis and treatment of HCC. This article reviews
the development of nanoparticles used for cancer detection, diagnosis and treatment due to their large specific surface area
and unique optical, electronic and magnetic properties. Moreover, studies have shown that after intended surface modification,
nano-carriers can achieve active targeting effect, which improves the efficiency of chemotherapeutic drugs and decreases
their side effects. In this review, we provide an overview of these studies results, patents about novel nanomaterials
and conclude with a discussion about future development.
