Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2025
Uptake of New Lipid-coated Nanoparticles Containing Falcarindiol by Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Published on: February 9, 2019
Recent advances in liposome-based targeted cancer therapy
Yeliz Fidan1, Stela Muçaj1, Selin Seda Timur1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract:
Nano-drug delivery systems have opened new pathways for tumor treatment by overcoming some of the limitations of conventional drugs, such as physiological degradation, short half-life, and rapid release. Liposomes are promising nanocarrier systems due to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high inclusivity, as well as their enhanced drug bioavailability. Various strategies for active targeting of liposomal formulations have been investigated to achieve the highest drug efficacy. This review aims to summarize current developments in novel liposomal formulations, particularly ligand-targeted liposomes (such as folate, transferrin, hyaluronic acid, antibodies, aptamer, and peptide, etc.) used for the therapy of various cancers and provide an insight on the challenges and future of liposomes for scientists and pharmaceutical companies.
Insights
Novel liposomes improve cancer therapy by overcoming conventional drug limitations. Ligand-targeted liposomes offer enhanced efficacy and bioavailability for advanced tumor treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Conventional drugs face limitations like degradation and rapid release.
- Nano-drug delivery systems offer improved therapeutic pathways.
- Liposomes are biocompatible nanocarriers with enhanced drug bioavailability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review novel liposomal formulations for cancer therapy.
- To highlight ligand-targeted liposomes and their applications.
- To provide insights into future directions for liposome research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current developments in liposomal formulations.
- Focus on ligand-targeted strategies including folate, transferrin, hyaluronic acid, antibodies, aptamers, and peptides.
- Analysis of liposomes in various cancer therapy contexts.
Main Results:
- Liposomes overcome limitations of conventional cancer drugs.
- Ligand-targeted liposomes demonstrate enhanced drug efficacy.
- Various targeting ligands improve specificity and therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Liposomes represent a significant advancement in cancer nanomedicine.
- Ligand-targeted liposomes offer promising strategies for improved cancer treatment.
- Further research is needed to address challenges and optimize liposomal drug delivery.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:57Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
02:50Combination Therapies and Personalized Medicine
The combination of the drug acetazolamide and sulforaphane is a good example of combination therapy to treat cancer. The cells in the interior of a large tumor often die due to the hypoxic and...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
01:30Cancer Vaccines
Cancer vaccines come in two categories: preventive (prophylactic) and treatment (active). Preventive vaccines, such as the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, protect against viruses that cause certain...
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...