Nano-liposomes: Historical Perspectives and Major Advances in Cancer Therapy. A critical Review

Abstract

Since the discoveryof liposomes by Bangham and co-workers in 1960, giant strides in the field ofliposomes as drug carriers for cancer therapy have been achieved. From the veryfirst generation of liposomes known as conventional liposomes to the stealthliposomes which are surface decorated with polyethylene glycol attachments toprotect the liposomes from phagocytic attack, and finally, a more recent nano-liposomedelivery innovation which involves specific antibody targeting and stimulussensitivity. Advanced research on enhancing the stability of liposomes throughvarious smart surface modifications has been ongoing. Some liposomalformulations have made it from benchtop research to pharmaceuticalmanufacturing and marketing. Commercially available are stealth liposomeformulations which have been approved for use, including Doxil® (a PEGylatedliposomal formulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride). These formulations haveshown increased bioavailability at the target site compared to conventionaldrugs.