Laparoscopic Delivery of a MnO2-P-ICG Patch for Photodynamic Therapy and NK Cell-Driven Immunotherapy in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Recurrence and metastasis are the primary causes of mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), primarily driven by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This study developed a multifunctional flexible patch (MnO₂-P-ICG NFs) based on electrospun SiO₂ gel fibers whose surface is modified with a layer of "nest-like" MnO₂. The patch enables the co-delivery of indocyanine green (ICG) and pachymaran directly to the tumor site via a laparoscopic system. Under near-infrared light irradiation, ICG serves as a Photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT), effectively ablating tumors and inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), thereby activating antitumor immunity. Meanwhile, pachymaran, with its immunomodulatory effects, preferential activates natural killer (NK) cells to exert antitumor effects. Additionally, PDT further enhances this immune response by activating the cGAS-STING pathway. In mouse models, implantation of the patch significantly inhibited primary liver tumor progression and ascites formation. In a malignant liver tumor model, MnO₂-P-ICG NFs prevented local recurrence in 80% of treated mice. Notably, both the depletion of NK cells and the blockade of the cGAS-STING pathway compromised the therapeutic efficacy of MnO₂-P-ICG NFs. Clinically, tumors with higher NK cell infiltration were associated with improved patient outcomes. In conclusion, this versatile patch provides a promising therapeutic strategy for patients with advanced HCC.