Nanomedicine and Liver Cancer Stem Cells

Abstract

In recent years, overwhelming experimental and clinical data demonstrate the existence of a unique subpopulation of highly malignant tumor cells termed as cancer stem cells (CSCs). They have been found in many solid tumors, including liver cancer. Liver CSCs may be known as the source of malignant cells, the reason for resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and the cells source of distant metastases. Therefore, new and effective treatment strategies targeting liver CSCs are urgently needed. Nanomedicine-based nanotechniques and biomaterials have emerged as some of the most promising carrier systems for medical imaging and drug delivery. The advances of nanomedicine result in the concept of precision medicine and the opportunity for early diagnoses and highly-effective targeted therapy. This review will focus on the properties of liver CSCs, discuss the preclinical and clinical available applications of nanomedicine, and explore the future implications and challenges.