Cancer therapy involves nanomedicine, which can provide a plethora of
advantages unattainable via conventional medicine as the materials of nano-level
exhibit unique physicochemical and biological properties. Both cancer therapy and
cancer therapy research utilize nanoformulations based on liposomes, polymeric
nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, metal nanoparticles, dendrimers, and
nanoemulsions for facilitating high specificity negating off-target toxicity, prolongedrelease
maintaining drug concentration and reducing dosing frequency, increased
solubilization and absorption, and penetration of impermeable barriers. The entrée to
this chapter is thus made with a brief description of nanomedicine, which is followed
by a description of the designing of nanoformulations for therapeutics. Explanations on
the types and advantages of nanoformulations are also given. The second section of the
chapter describes nanoformulations as therapeutics for cancer, explaining the different
targeting strategies and novel approaches involving nanoparticles. Like numerous other
cancers, nanoformulations are researched extensively in therapy for hepatocellular
carcinoma, the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The final section of the
chapter deals with the therapeutic advantages of nanoformulations in hepatocellular
carcinoma. The prominent nanomaterials investigated in hepatocellular carcinoma
therapy include nanoparticles of biopolymers, nanoparticles of artificial biodegradable
polymers, metallic nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and mesoporous nanoparticles.
Targeting of drug-loaded nanoparticles is achieved in therapy for hepatocellular
carcinoma via passive targeting and/or active targeting. A key milestone in
hepatocellular carcinoma therapy is the approval of the drug Zinostatin stimalamer, an
emulsion-based formulation, by the Japanese Ministry of Labour, Health, and Welfare.
Keywords: Active targeting, Bioavailability, Biodegradable, Cancer, Chemotherapy, Controlled release, Dendrimers, Emulsions, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Immunoliposomes, Liposomes, Metal nanoparticles nanoformulations, Nano-medicine, Nanoparticles, Passive targeting, Polymeric nanoparticles, Solid lipid nanoparticles, Therapeutics, Targeted delivery.
