Functionalized biomaterial platforms for interventional embolization therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma

Transarterial embolization and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization are important locoregional therapies for intermediate-to-advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet their efficacy remains constrained by the performance limitations of embolic materials. Although traditional embolic materials have been widely used in clinical practice, they commonly suffer from poor drug loading capacity, uncontrollable release kinetics, suboptimal spatial selectivity, and unpredictable embolization duration, making it difficult to meet the demands of precision and combination therapy. In recent years, advanced biomaterials, represented by hydrogels and microspheres, have provided new approaches to improving the controllability and comprehensive efficacy of interventional embolization therapy through the optimization of material properties and functional expansion. This review provides an overview of the basis and limitations of the clinical application of traditional embolic materials, focuses on the embolization performance and functional advantages of biomaterials, and discusses their potential for combination with systemic therapy. In addition, we discuss the challenges in clinical translation of embolic drug-delivery systems and future directions, aiming to inspire further research on precision embolization therapies.