Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Preparation and Characterization of Lipophilic Doxorubicin Pro-drug Micelles
09:56

Preparation and Characterization of Lipophilic Doxorubicin Pro-drug Micelles

Published on: August 2, 2016

15.7K

Liposomal drug delivery systems for targeted cancer therapy: is active targeting the best choice?

Shaghayegh Fathi1, Adegboyega K Oyelere1

  • 1School of Chemistry & Biochemistry, Parker H. Petit Institute for Bioengineering & Bioscience, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0400, USA.

Future Medicinal Chemistry
|October 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Ligand-conjugated liposomes offer targeted cancer therapy by delivering drugs to tumor sites. While promising for enhanced efficacy and reduced side effects, no small molecule versions are approved yet.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Drug Delivery

Background:

  • Liposomes are self-forming lipid vesicles capable of encapsulating diverse therapeutic agents.
  • Key properties like size, charge, and fluidity can be optimized for extended circulation and efficacy.
  • Tumor-targeted delivery aims to improve drug efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the application of ligand-conjugated liposomes for tumor-targeted drug delivery.
  • To discuss the design principles and potential of these targeted liposomes in cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on ligand-conjugated liposomes for cancer therapy.
  • Analysis of strategies for modifying liposome properties for enhanced targeting and efficacy.
  • Examination of receptor-mediated targeting mechanisms on tumor cells.

Main Results:

  • Ligand conjugation enables targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to tumors by interacting with overexpressed receptors.
  • Optimized liposome characteristics can prolong circulation time and improve drug accumulation at tumor sites.
  • Despite significant research, no small molecule ligand-conjugated liposomes have received regulatory approval for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Ligand-conjugated liposomes represent a promising strategy for enhancing the selectivity and efficacy of cancer therapies.
  • Further research and development are needed to overcome challenges and achieve clinical approval for these advanced drug delivery systems.
Keywords:
EPR effectactive targetingligand-targeted liposomeliposomenanoparticlepassive targetingprotein corona

More Related Videos

Targeted Plasma Membrane Delivery of a Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulated in a Liquid Crystal Nanoparticle Carrier10:16

Targeted Plasma Membrane Delivery of a Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulated in a Liquid Crystal Nanoparticle Carrier

Published on: February 8, 2017

8.1K
Uptake of New Lipid-coated Nanoparticles Containing Falcarindiol by Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells09:34

Uptake of New Lipid-coated Nanoparticles Containing Falcarindiol by Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Published on: February 9, 2019

9.5K

Related Concept Videos

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
70
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
79
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
9.1K
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

1.7K
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification01:23

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification

Modified-release drug delivery systems improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects by controlling the rate and location of drug release. These systems fall into three categories: rate-programmed, stimuli-activated, and site-targeted.Rate-programmed systems release drugs at a predetermined rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels and reducing fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. These systems use polymeric matrices, reservoir-based designs, or osmotic...
162
Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types01:27

Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types

Conventional oral drug products, termed immediate-release (IR) formulations, are engineered to promptly release their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) upon ingestion, typically in tablets or capsules. This rapid release often results in swift drug absorption and consequent pharmacodynamic effects, although the timing and intensity can vary depending on the drug's properties. Prodrugs within these formulations require metabolic conversion to activate their pharmacodynamic effects,...
161