A review on tumor-targeting liposomes: Fabrication, mechanism and applications

Suman Basak1, Tushar Kanti Das2, Sayan Ganguly3

  • 1Department of Health Technology, DTU Health Tech, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark; Department of Chemistry, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark.

Biochemical Pharmacology
|August 20, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Liposome-mediated targeted drug delivery enhances cancer therapy efficacy and safety by precisely delivering drugs to tumors. Continued research is vital for advancing liposomal formulations and personalized medicine in oncology.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Liposomes offer a versatile platform for drug delivery.
  • Targeted delivery aims to improve cancer treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
  • Overcoming multidrug resistance remains a challenge in cancer therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review liposome-mediated targeted drug delivery in oncology.
  • To explore the potential of liposomal systems in cancer treatment.
  • To highlight future directions in liposome-based cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of liposome-mediated drug delivery systems.
  • Analysis of encapsulation and targeting strategies.
  • Discussion of clinical validation and future research needs.

Main Results:

  • Liposomes enhance drug delivery to tumor tissues, minimizing systemic toxicity.
  • Liposome-based technologies show potential in overcoming multidrug resistance.
  • Personalized medicine approaches using liposomes are a promising future direction.

Conclusions:

  • Liposome-mediated drug delivery is a key innovation in oncology.
  • Further research and clinical validation are essential for widespread adoption.
  • Liposomes hold promise for improving patient outcomes and quality of life in cancer treatment.

Related Concept Videos

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted

Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers01:24

Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers

Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
Targeted Cancer Therapies02:57

Targeted Cancer Therapies

The targeted cancer therapies, also known as “molecular targeted therapies,” take advantage of the molecular and genetic differences between the cancer cells and the normal cells. It needs a thorough understanding of the cancer cells to develop drugs that can target specific molecular aspects that drive the growth, progression, and spread of cancer cells without affecting the growth and survival of other normal cells in the body.
There are several types of targeted therapies against specific...