Linmei Yao,1,* Zixuan Gao,1,* Xin Wei,1,* Shuojie Wang,1,* Weihua Cao,1 Wen Deng,1 Xinxin Li,1 Ziyu Zhang,1 Shiyu Wang,1 Yaqin Zhang,1 Ruyu Liu,1– 3 Yao Xie,1,2 Minghui Li1,2 

1Department of Hepatology Division 2, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China; 2Department of Hepatology Division 2, Peking University Ditan Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100015, People’s Republic of China; 3Department of Hepatology Division 3, Beijing Ditan Hospital Xuzhou Hospital (Xuzhou Seventh People’s Hospital), Xuzhou, Jiangsu Province, 221000, People’s Republic of China

*These authors contributed equally to this work

Correspondence: Ruyu Liu; Minghui Li, Email liuruyu28@163.com; wuhm2000@sina.com

Abstract: Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a global health challenge with limited therapeutic options for advanced stages. Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE), the first-line treatment for intermediate and advanced-stage HCC, faces limitations such as incomplete tumor embolization and systemic toxicity. This review synthesizes recent advancements in nanotechnology to address these challenges, focusing on nanoparticles (NPs) as embolic agents, drug carriers, and imaging contrast agents. Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (eg, gold NPs, liposomes) enable localized drug release in tumors, enhancing chemotherapy efficacy while minimizing systemic side effects. Multimodal imaging NPs (eg, superparamagnetic iron oxide NPs, gadolinium-based NPs) enhance real-time visualization of tumor vasculature during TACE, facilitating precise embolization and treatment monitoring. Additionally, combining NPs with photothermal therapy or anti-angiogenic agents (eg, sorafenib) demonstrates synergistic effects in inhibiting tumor recurrence and metastasis. In conclusion, nanotechnology significantly enhances TACE’s precision and efficacy through targeted delivery and multimodal imaging, though challenges in biocompatibility, safety, stability, and large-scale production require urgent attention. Future studies should focus on developing multifunctional nanocarriers and personalized nanomedicine strategies to optimize clinical outcomes for HCC patients.

Keywords: liver cancer, nanoparticles, transarterial chemoembolization, drug delivery carriers, imaging