Clinical prospects for liposomes

The use of liposomes has recently been the subject of considerable attention as a promising and versatile approach to drug delivery. Particularly intriguing is the possibility of targeting liposomes to specific areas of the body such as tumors or sites of inflammation or parasitic invasion for either local accumulation or release of associated drugs. This review focuses mainly on recent in vivo work having clinical potential. An extensive discussion of liposome preparation and entrapment of drugs for controlled release in vivo is also included. The stability of liposomes in biological fluids is a major problem. The mode of administration, either intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, local, oral, or respiratory, is closely related to the life of the liposomes in vivo. Following in vivo administration the lifetime of a liposome is critically dependent on its composition, size, and charge. Liposome toxicity appears to be minimal, but should be considered when administering liposomes to patients. Tissues such as the liver, spleen, and lungs, because of macrophage ingestion of liposomes, become potential sites of drug toxicity. The use of liposomes to deliver antiparasitic drugs in the treatment of malaria and leishmaniasis is promoting; so it is the use of surfactant-carrying liposomes in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in premature babies. Recent cancer studies utilizing liposomes both in vivo and in vitro have shown promise. In tumor-bearing animals a liposome drug delivery system has caused a regression, delayed tumor growth, and increased survival time. Although the clinical use of liposomes is only in its infancy, its potential in future therapy appears promising.