Polysaccharide-modified liposome-based drug delivery system for cancer targeted therapy: An updated review

Despite significant advances in diagnosis, treatment, and mechanistic research, cancer remains the leading cause of death globally. Due to the shortcomings of chemotherapy resistance, systemic toxicity, and poor tumor targeting, the curability of cancer is limited. Liposomes, with their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and low toxicity, have shown considerable promise in cancer therapy. However, conventional liposomes face challenges such as poor stability, rapid degradation, and swift in vivo clearance, which hinder their clinical application. Natural polysaccharides, known for their structural stability, excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, non-immunogenicity, low toxicity, and targeting capabilities, have garnered widespread attention. Thus, leveraging polysaccharides to address the limitations of traditional liposomes is essential to enhance their clinical utility. This review first outlines the properties of conventional liposomes and then discusses strategies for modifying them with natural polysaccharides. Furthermore, it categorizes the potential clinical applications of polysaccharide-modified liposomes and highlights the progress of polysaccharide-based drug delivery systems responsive to various stimuli. Finally, it addresses current challenges and anticipates future developments necessary for optimizing the clinical implementation of polysaccharide-modified liposome drug delivery systems.