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Recent Advancements in Liposome-Targeting Strategies for the Treatment of Gliomas: A Systematic Review
Jie Li1,2,3,4, Tiantian Tan1,3,4, Liping Zhao1,3,4
1Holistic Integrative Pharmacy Institutes, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, Zhejiang, China.
Abstract:
Malignant tumors represent some of the most intractable diseases that endanger human health. A glioma is a tumor of the central nervous system that is characterized by severe invasiveness, blurred boundaries between the tumor and surrounding normal tissue, difficult surgical removal, and high recurrence. Moreover, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and multidrug resistance (MDR) are important factors that contribute to the lack of efficacy of chemotherapy in treating gliomas. A liposome is a biofilm-like drug delivery system with a unique phospholipid bilayer that exhibits high affinities with human tissues/organs (e.g., BBB). After more than five decades of development, classical and engineered liposomes consist of four distinct generations, each with different characteristics: (i) traditional liposomes, (ii) stealth liposomes, (iii) targeting liposomes, and (iv) biomimetic liposomes, which offer a promising approach to promote drugs across the BBB and to reverse MDR. Here, we review the history, preparatory methods, and physicochemical properties of liposomes. Furthermore, we discuss the mechanisms by which liposomes have assisted in the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas, including drug transport across the BBB, inhibition of efflux transporters, reversal of MDR, and induction of immune responses. Finally, we highlight ongoing and future clinical trials and applications toward further developing and testing the efficacies of liposomes in treating gliomas.
Insights
Liposomes offer a promising strategy to overcome challenges in glioma treatment, such as the blood-brain barrier and multidrug resistance. This review explores liposome development and their mechanisms for enhancing glioma diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Systems
- Oncology and Neuro-oncology Research
- Biomaterials and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Gliomas are aggressive central nervous system tumors with poor prognoses due to invasiveness, surgical difficulty, and recurrence.
- The blood-brain barrier (BBB) and multidrug resistance (MDR) significantly impede effective chemotherapy for gliomas.
- Liposomes, versatile drug delivery systems, show potential for overcoming these therapeutic obstacles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical development, preparation methods, and properties of liposomes.
- To discuss the mechanisms by which liposomes facilitate glioma treatment.
- To highlight current and future clinical applications of liposomes in glioma therapy.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on liposome technology and its application in glioma research.
- Analysis of liposome characteristics, including four distinct generations (traditional, stealth, targeting, biomimetic).
- Discussion of liposome-mediated drug transport across the BBB and reversal of MDR.
Main Results:
- Liposomes demonstrate high affinity for the BBB, enabling enhanced drug delivery to the central nervous system.
- Engineered liposomes can inhibit drug efflux transporters, thereby reversing multidrug resistance in glioma cells.
- Liposomes can modulate immune responses, potentially contributing to glioma treatment efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Liposomes represent a significant advancement in overcoming BBB and MDR challenges for glioma treatment.
- Ongoing research and clinical trials are crucial for further validating and optimizing liposome-based glioma therapies.
- Liposomes hold promise for improving diagnostic and therapeutic outcomes in patients with malignant gliomas.
