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Nanotechnology for liver cancer: Innovations, challenges, and future prospects
Aqsa Mehreen
Maryam Faiz
Mahnoor Azeem
Muhammad Naeem
Deeba Amraiz
Uzma Azeem Awan
Characterization and Application of Nanomaterials 2026, 9(1), 11921; https://doi.org/10.24294/can11921
Submitted:18 Nov 2025
Accepted:20 Mar 2026
Published:31 Mar 2026
Abstract
Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide due to various reasons, including late-stage diagnosis, treatment resistance, and limited therapeutic efficacy. Conventional treatment strategies- surgical resection, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies- pose significant limitations such as poor specificity, systemic toxicity, and disease recurrence, preventing timely treatment. Recent advances in nanotechnology provide promising solutions, particularly in early diagnosis and precision medicine. This review focuses on nanotechnology-based theranostic techniques, including nano biosensing, liquid biopsy innovations, and imaging enhancements. Furthermore, significant improvements in therapeutic strategies, such as nanoparticle-mediated drug delivery and immunomodulation, are discussed, as well as existing challenges and potential prospects. Understanding the potential of these innovations is crucial for establishing more effective, personalized, and minimally invasive strategies for liver cancer management.
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