Emerging role of microRNAs in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the third leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Currently available curative options, such as surgery and transplantation, are not available to patients with advanced stages of disease. Among the potential new treatments being investigated are microRNA (miRNA)-based therapies. A number of preclinical studies have reported antitumor activities of miRNA mimics or anti-miRNA molecules. Optimal in vivo delivery of miRNA molecules is crucial to their action. To this end, significant progress has been made in the development of nanoparticles for in vivo delivery of miRNA molecules. Delivery of these molecules, alone or in combination with other drugs, promises to open new possibilities for therapeutic approaches to hepatocellular carcinoma.