Tumor targeting using liposomal antineoplastic drugs.
During the last years, liposomes (microparticulate phospholipid vesicles) have been used with growing success as pharmaceutical carriers for antineoplastic drugs. Fields of application include lipid-based formulations to enhance the solubility of poorly soluble antitumor drugs, the use of pegylated liposomes for passive targeting of solid tumors as well as vector-conjugated liposomal carriers for active targeting of tumor tissue. Such formulation and drug targeting strategies enhance the effectiveness of anticancer chemotherapy and reduce at the same time the risk of toxic side-effects. The present article reviews the principles of different liposomal technologies and discusses current trends in this field of research.
Huwyler
Jörg
J
University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland, Institute of Pharma Technology, Muttenz, Switzerland. joerg.huwyler@fhnw.ch
Drewe
Jürgen
J
Krähenbuhl
Stephan
S
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000639:trends*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D015195:Drug Design; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D008081:Liposomes