Navigating the Clinical Landscape of Liposomal Therapeutics in Cancer Treatment

Liposome-based targeted drug delivery systems represent a significant advancement in pharmaceutical science, offering distinct advantages that enhance the efficacy and safety of various therapies. These versatile carriers can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, making them particularly valuable in clinical settings. This review explores the critical role of liposomal formulations in improving drug pharmacokinetics and minimizing side effects, especially in oncology, where targeted delivery to tumor cells is essential. Outlining the properties of different types of liposomes, we focus on the effects of these properties on the liposomes' targeting and drug release capabilities through innovative surface modifications and describe the most common methods of liposome preparation and characterization. Furthermore, this review provides an in-depth analysis of the properties and composition of liposomal-based nanocarriers, with a unique focus on ongoing clinical trials and recently approved therapies. It offers a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in pre-clinical research and highlights the critical progress in clinical development, offering insights into the clinical impact and regulatory approvals. Ultimately, this review underscores the transformative potential of liposomal nanocarriers in modern therapeutics, suggesting avenues for future innovations and clinical breakthroughs.

Cancer nanomedicine: a review of nano-therapeutics and challenges ahead

Cancer is known as the most dangerous disease in the world in terms of mortality and lack of effective treatment. Research on cancer treatment is still active and of great social importance. Since 1930, chemotherapeutics have been used to treat cancer. However, such conventional treatments are associated with pain, side effects, and a lack of targeting. Nanomedicines are an emerging alternative due to their targeting, bioavailability, and low toxicity. Nanoparticles target cancer cells via active and passive mechanisms. Since FDA approval for Doxil®, several nano-therapeutics have been developed, and a few have received approval for use in cancer treatment. Along with liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, polymeric nanoparticles, and nanoemulsions, even newer techniques involving extracellular vesicles (EVs) and thermal nanomaterials are now being researched and implemented in practice. This review highlights the evolution and current status of cancer therapy, with a focus on clinical/pre-clinical nanomedicine cancer studies. Insight is also provided into the prospects in this regard.