In the advancement of tumor therapy, in addition to the search for new antitumor compounds, the development of nano-drug delivery systems has opened up new pathways for tumor treatment by addressing some of the limitations of traditional drugs. Liposomes have received much attention for their high biocompatibility, low toxicity, high inclusivity, and improved drug bioavailability. They are one of the most studied nanocarriers, changing the size and surface characteristics of liposomes to better fit the tumor environment by taking advantage of the unique pathophysiology of tumors. They can also be designed as tumor targeting drug delivery vehicles for the precise delivery of active drugs into tumor cells. This paper reviews the current development of liposome formulations, summarizes the characterization methods of liposomes, and proposes strategies to improve the effectiveness of tumor treatment. Finally, it provides an outlook on the challenges and future directions of the field. Graphical abstract.
Keywords: liposome characterization; liposomes; targeted drug delivery; tumor targeting; tumor therapy.
© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.