Liposomes for Tumor Targeted Therapy: A Review

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Background:

• Liposomes are sphere-shaped vesicles composed of phospholipid bilayers, widely recognized as leading nano-drug carriers.
• They offer advantages over traditional systems, including targeted delivery, biocompatibility, biodegradability, functionalization, low toxicity, sustained release, and improved therapeutic indices.
• Advancements in nanotechnology have spurred extensive research into diverse liposome compositions, enhancing their drug delivery capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the composition, types, and preparation methods of liposomes.
• To discuss the application of various liposome formulations in targeted cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on liposome composition, types, and preparation.
• Analysis of targeting strategies employed in liposomal cancer therapy.

Main Results:

• Liposome composition is molecularly diverse, including PEGylated, ligand-functionalized, stimuli-responsive, and biomimetic nanocarriers.
• These diverse liposomes offer unique physiological functions for drug delivery.
• Targeting strategies are crucial for effective liposomal drug delivery in cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

• Liposomes represent a highly adaptable platform for drug delivery, particularly in oncology.
• Understanding liposome composition and targeting mechanisms is key to optimizing cancer therapeutics.