Liposomes in Cancer Therapy: How Did We Start and Where Are We Now

Abstract

Since their first discovery in the 1960s by Alec Bangham, liposomes have been shown to be effective drug delivery systems for treating various cancers. Several liposome-based formulations received approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA), with many others in clinical trials. Liposomes have several advantages, including improved pharmacokinetic properties of the encapsulated drug, reduced systemic toxicity, extended circulation time, and targeted disposition in tumor sites due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) mechanism. However, it is worth noting that despite their efficacy in treating various cancers, liposomes still have some potential toxicity and lack specific targeting and disposition. This explains, in part, why their translation into the clinic has progressed only incrementally, which poses the need for more research to focus on addressing such translational limitations. This review summarizes the main properties of liposomes, their current status in cancer therapy, and their limitations and challenges to achieving maximal therapeutic efficacy.

Doxorubicin loaded thermostable nanoarchaeosomes: a next-generation drug carrier for breast cancer therapeutics

“…There are several studies that exist with liposomes as drug delivery agents. 26,27 However, conventional liposomes lack colloidal stability, a major problem associated with their application at the commercial level. Most liposomal formulations are generally stable only for a few days when stored in a refrigerated condition.…”

Integrating natural compounds and nanoparticle‐based drug delivery systems: A novel strategy for enhanced efficacy and selectivity in cancer therapy

“…These systems have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetics, reduced toxicity, and increased antitumor activity compared to their conventional counterparts. [18][19][20] Nanotechnology holds immense potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by overcoming the limitations of traditional drug delivery systems. The ability to achieve targeted and controlled drug release, along with the opportunity for combination therapy, makes nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems a promising avenue for improving anticancer agents, including drugs derived from natural substances.…”

“…Examples include liposomal formulations of doxorubicin (Doxil®) and paclitaxel (Abraxane®), as well as polymeric nanoparticles carrying docetaxel (Onivyde®). These systems have demonstrated improved pharmacokinetics, reduced toxicity, and increased antitumor activity compared to their conventional counterparts 18‐20 . Nanotechnology holds immense potential to revolutionize cancer treatment by overcoming the limitations of traditional drug delivery systems.…”

Essential oils and their nanoformulations for breast cancer therapy

“…Liposomes are spherical lipid vesicles composed of amphiphilic phospholipid bilayer (unilamellar or multilamellar) and an aqueous core (Olusanya et al, 2018). In 1995, PEGylated liposomal doxorubicin became the first FDA approved nanomedicine (Fulton & Najahi-Missaoui, 2023). Various techniques like thin film hydration, microfluidic channel method and the supercritical fluidic method have been used to prepare liposomes.…”