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Liposomal drug delivery systems for organ-specific cancer targeting: early promises, subsequent problems, and recent
Fahimeh Zahednezhad1, Saeideh Allahyari2, Muhammad Sarfraz3
1Student Research Committee and Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Science, Tabriz, Iran.
Introduction:
Targeted liposomal systems for cancer intention have been recognized as a specific and robust approach compared to conventional liposomal delivery systems. Cancer cells have a unique microenvironment with special over-expressed receptors on their surface, providing opportunities for discovering novel and effective drug delivery systems using active targeting.
Areas Covered:
Smartly targeted liposomes, responsive to internal or external stimulations, enhance the delivery efficiency by increasing accumulation of the encapsulated anti-cancer agent in the tumor site. The application of antibodies and aptamers against the prevalent cell surface receptors is a potent and ever-growing field. Moreover, immuno-liposomes and cancer vaccines as adjuvant chemotherapy are also amenable to favorable immune modulation. Combinational and multi-functional systems are also attractive in this regard. However, potentially active targeted liposomal drug delivery systems have a long path to clinical acceptance, chiefly due to cross-interference and biocompatibility affairs of the functionalized moieties.
Expert Opinion:
Engineered liposomal formulations have to be designed based on tissue properties, including surface chemistry, charge, and microvasculature. In this paper, we aimed to investigate the updated targeted liposomal systems for common cancer therapy worldwide.
Insights
Targeted liposomes offer a precise approach for cancer therapy by exploiting unique cancer cell characteristics. These advanced systems enhance drug delivery to tumors, improving treatment efficacy and patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Conventional liposomal delivery systems face limitations in targeting cancer cells.
- Cancer cells possess unique surface receptors and microenvironments amenable to targeted drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate updated targeted liposomal systems for common cancer therapy.
- To review advancements in active targeting strategies for liposomal drug delivery in oncology.
Main Methods:
- Exploration of smart liposomes responsive to internal or external stimuli.
- Application of antibodies and aptamers for targeting prevalent cell surface receptors.
- Review of immuno-liposomes and cancer vaccines as adjuvant chemotherapy.
Main Results:
- Targeted liposomes enhance anti-cancer agent accumulation at the tumor site.
- Functionalized moieties show potential but face challenges in cross-interference and biocompatibility.
- Engineered liposomal formulations require consideration of tissue properties like surface chemistry and microvasculature.
Conclusions:
- Targeted liposomal systems represent a robust approach for cancer treatment.
- Further research is needed to overcome challenges for clinical acceptance of targeted liposomal drug delivery systems.
