Precision targeting in hepatocellular carcinoma: Exploring ligand-receptor mediated nanotherapy

Table 1 Summary of nanoformulations utilizing Glypican-3 as a targeting receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma treatment

Targeting ligand	Particle size	Nanocarrier	Payload	In vitro or/and in vivo results
GC33[54]	100-150 nm	PEG PLGA	Sorafenib	GC33 modified nanoparticles in vitro: Specifically target GPC3-positive HepG2 cells, resulting in cell cycle arrest at G0/1 phase; in vivo: Inhibit the growth of liver cancer and improve the survival rate of tumor-bearing mice
YP7[55]	N/A	Albumin	Paclitaxel	YP-7 bounded-nanoparticles induce rapid target-specific necrotic cell death and increase the concentration of paclitaxel within HCC tumors
Clone 9C2[56]	85-99 nm	TPGS PCL	Sorafenib	9C2 antibody conjugated nanoparticles in vitro: Have a higher cellular uptake and a 7.5-fold increase in IC50 value compared to free sorafenib; in vivo: Can greatly inhibit tumor growth with no significant side effects
Peptide G12[57]	Approximately 100 nm	Liposome	Sorafenib	G12-modified liposomes in vitro: Have enhanced specific-targeting and internalization into GPC3-positive cancer cells; in vivo: Show a superior precise antitumor effect with marked tumor suppression
Peptide[58]	105-117 nm	PEG PLGA	Sorafenib	Peptide-labeled nanoparticles in vitro: Significantly increase cytotoxicity against Hep3B cells; in vivo: Show good uptake and inhibited tumor growth

HCC: Hepatocellular carcinoma; GPC3: Glypican-3.