Artesunate nanoliposomes in hepatocellular carcinoma: mechanistic ferroptosis induction and translational opportunities

Artesunate nanoliposomes are lipid-based nanoscale vesicles encapsulating the antimalarial agent artesunate, which have shown potential to suppress hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth and metastasis by modulating ferroptosis-related pathways. This review first summarizes the preparation methods and physicochemical characteristics of artesunate nanoliposomes, followed by an overview of the ferroptosis pathways through which artesunate induces cell death in HCC. We then integrate existing studies to clarify how artesunate nanoliposomes suppress HCC progression via ferroptosis regulation. Finally, we discuss their clinical prospects, associated challenges, and future research directions. Overall, this review aims to elucidate the mechanistic basis of artesunate's antitumor effects, providing insights for identifying novel therapeutic targets and advancing the development of ferroptosis-based treatments for liver cancer.