AUTHOR=Wang Xianling , Yang Yan , Zhao Shuang , Wu Di , Li Le , Zhao Zhifeng 

TITLE=Chitosan-based biomaterial delivery strategies for hepatocellular carcinoma

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Pharmacology

VOLUME=Volume 15 - 2024

YEAR=2024

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1446030

DOI=10.3389/fphar.2024.1446030

ISSN=1663-9812

ABSTRACT=Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma accounts for 80% of primary liver cancers, is the most common primary liver malignancy. Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third leading cause of tumorrelated deaths worldwide, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 18%. Chemotherapy, although commonly used for hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, is limited by systemic toxicity and drug resistance. Improving targeted delivery of chemotherapy drugs to tumor cells without causing systemic side effects is a current research focus. Chitosan, a biopolymer derived from chitin, possesses good biocompatibility and biodegradability, making it suitable for drug delivery. Enhanced chitosan formulations retain the anti-tumor properties while improving stability. Chitosan-based biomaterials promote hepatocellular carcinoma apoptosis, exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, inhibit tumor angiogenesis, and improve extracellular matrix remodeling for enhanced antitumor therapy. Methods: We summarized published experimental papers by querying them.Results and Conclusions: This review discusses the physicochemical properties of chitosan, its application in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment, and the challenges faced by chitosan-based biomaterials.