Combining Chemistry and Engineering for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Nano-Scale and Smaller Therapies
Danielle L Stolley1, Anna Colleen Crouch2, Aliçan Özkan3
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA.
Abstract:
Primary liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is a major worldwide cause of death from carcinoma. Most patients are not candidates for surgery and medical therapies, including new immunotherapies, have not shown major improvements since the modest benefit seen with the introduction of sorafenib over a decade ago. Locoregional therapies for intermediate stage disease are not curative but provide some benefit. However, upon close scrutiny, there is still residual disease in most cases. We review the current status for treatment of intermediate stage disease, summarize the literature on correlative histopathology, and discuss emerging methods at micro-, nano-, and pico-scales to improve therapy. These include transarterial hyperthermia methods and thermoembolization, along with microfluidics model systems and new applications of mass spectrometry imaging for label-free analysis of pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.
Insights
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment remains challenging, with limited options for intermediate-stage disease. Emerging micro-, nano-, and pico-scale therapies show promise for improving treatment efficacy and addressing residual disease.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hepatology
- Medical Physics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality globally.
- Current treatments, including surgery and systemic therapies, offer limited benefits for most patients, especially in intermediate stages.
- Locoregional therapies provide some benefit but often leave residual disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current treatment landscape for intermediate-stage HCC.
- To summarize histopathological findings related to treatment outcomes.
- To explore novel micro-, nano-, and pico-scale technologies for enhancing HCC therapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current HCC treatments and correlative histopathology.
- Discussion of emerging technologies including transarterial hyperthermia and thermoembolization.
- Exploration of microfluidics models and mass spectrometry imaging for pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analysis.
Main Results:
- Current locoregional therapies for intermediate-stage HCC are not curative and frequently result in residual disease.
- Histopathological analysis provides insights into treatment response and residual disease.
- Emerging technologies offer potential for more targeted and effective HCC treatment delivery and monitoring.
Conclusions:
- There is a critical need for improved therapeutic strategies for intermediate-stage HCC.
- Advanced techniques at micro-, nano-, and pico-scales, including novel thermal therapies and advanced imaging, represent promising avenues.
- Further research into these emerging methods is essential to improve patient outcomes in HCC.
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