Recent advances in tumor vasculature targeting using liposomal drug delivery systems

Expert Opin Drug Deliv. 2009 Dec;6(12):1297-309. doi: 10.1517/17425240903289928.

Abstract

Tumor vessels possess unique physiological features that might be exploited for improved drug delivery. The targeting of liposomal anticancer drugs to tumor vasculature is increasingly recognized as an effective strategy to obtain superior therapeutic efficacy with limited host toxicity compared with conventional treatments. This review introduces recent advances in the field of liposomal targeting of tumor vasculature, along with new approaches that can be used in the design and optimization of liposomal delivery systems. In addition, cationic liposome is focused on as a promising carrier for achieving efficient vascular targeting. The clinical implications are discussed of several approaches using a single liposomal anticancer drug formulation: dual targeting, vascular targeting (targeting tumor endothelial cells) and tumor targeting (targeting tumor cells).

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / administration & dosage
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology*
  • Cations
  • Drug Delivery Systems
  • Drug Design
  • Humans
  • Liposomes
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / drug therapy

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cations
  • Liposomes