Liposomal Nanoformulations as Current Tumor-Targeting Approach to Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The liposomes present great potential for applications in targeted delivery of chemotherapeutics in the treatment of cancer. The use of liposomal drug carriers as vehicles for targeting of chemotherapeutic agents to tumor tissues is based on their advantages over other dosage forms, represented by their low systemic toxicity, their bioavailability, and their possibility to enhance the solubility of different chemotherapeutic agents, due to the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. They enhance the therapeutic index of anticancer drugs by increasing the drug concentration in tumor cells through tumor targeting. The available approaches used for tumor targeting using liposomes are passive targeting, active targeting, and triggered drug release. The most advanced targeting strategies proposed for cancer treatment are the development of multifunctional liposomes, having combined targeting mechanism. In this chapter, the tumor-targeting mechanisms are described in detail as well as the possibilities to design the targeted liposomal nanocarrier in order to reach the desired target in the body and minimizing the off-target effects. Moreover, the current status of preclinical and clinical evaluation is highlighted.

Colloidally Stable P(DMA-AGME)-Ale-Coated Gd(Tb)F3:Tb3+(Gd3+),Yb3+,Nd3+ Nanoparticles as a Multimodal Contrast Agent for Down- and Upconversion Luminescence, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and Computed Tomography

“…The surface charge of nanoparticles in biological media is a crucial aspect for many potential applications. It can facilitate in vivo circulation of negatively charged particles in the body or support uptake of positively charged particles by the cells [ 36 ].…”

“…The surface charge of nanoparticles in biological media is a crucial aspect for many potential applications. It can facilitate in vivo circulation of negatively charged particles in the body or support uptake of positively charged particles by the cells [36]. The morphology, size, and size distribution of P(DMA-AGME)-Ale-coated GdF3:Tb 3+ ,Yb 3+ ,Nd 3+ and TbF3:Gd 3+ ,Yb 3+ ,Nd 3+ nanoparticles prepared in EG were analyzed by TEM (Figure 4).…”