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

Since the discovery of liposomes by Bangham and co-workers in 1960, giant strides in the field of liposomes as drug carriers for cancer therapy have been achieved. From the very first generation of liposomes known as conventional liposomes to the stealth liposomes which are surface decorated with polyethylene glycol attachments to protect the liposomes from phagocytic attack, and finally, a more recent nano-liposome delivery innovation which involves specific antibody targeting and stimulus sensitivity. Advanced research on enhancing the stability of liposomes through various smart surface modifications has been ongoing. Some liposomal formulations have made it from benchtop research to pharmaceutical manufacturing and marketing. Commercially available are stealth liposome formulations which have been approved for use, including Doxil® (a PEGylatedliposomal formulation of doxorubicin hydrochloride). These formulations have shown increased bioavailability at the target site compared to conventional drugs.