LIPOSOMES AS DRUG CARRIERS IN CANCER-THERAPY

  • 1 January 1984
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 68  (1) , 127-135
Abstract
Liposomes, microscopic particles composed of lipid bilayer membranes, can carry water-soluble drugs in their aqueous compartments and lipid soluble drugs in their bilayers. Over the last 10 yr, they have been studied more intensively than any other type of drug carrier [for human anticancer chemotherapy]. The 1st impulse, as with other pharmaceuticals, has been to inject them i.v. However, since they do no leave the vascular system readily except in the sinusoids of liver and spleen, many of the projected applications to nonhematogenous cancers are unlikely to succeed. Nonetheless, the last few years have brought a great incrase in sophistication with respect to the physical chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology of liposomes. Routes other than the vascular are being explored; i.v. injection is being exploited for access to targets within the vascular space. The most likely clinical access applications to be successful soon are in parasitology and immunology; practical applications in oncology are distinctly possible, but still speculative.