Ferric-Tannic Nanoparticles Inhibit Early-Stage Hepatocarcinogenesis by Activating Tumor Immune Responses in Rats

Early diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain major challenges. Significant efforts have been made to find new approaches to address these issues. Ferric-tannic nanoparticles (FTs) have emerged as promising tools for targeting the early phase of hepatocarcinogenesis due to their preferential accumulation in preneoplastic liver lesions. In this study, the therapeutic potential of FTs is demonstrated in early-stage hepatocarcinogenesis in rats. FTs inhibit the progression of early hepatocarcinogenesis, reducing hepatic nodules, preneoplastic foci (glutathione S-transferase placental (GST-P) form-positive foci), and HCC cell proliferation. The therapeutic effects of FTs appear to be mediated by inhibiting cell proliferation through the activation of immune responses. FTs show promise as novel immunomodulators or therapeutic agents for the treatment of early-stage HCC.