Targeting liposomes toward novel pediatric anticancer therapeutics

Pediatr Res. 2010 May;67(5):514-9. doi: 10.1203/PDR.0b013e3181d601c5.

Abstract

Although modern multimodal treatment of pediatric cancer has resulted in long-term cure of many patients, clinical success has come with significant acute and chronic morbidity. Targeted therapy using anticancer agents encapsulated in nanoparticles holds considerable promise in further improving efficacy and reducing toxic side effects. This review highlights the current strategies toward developing such therapeutic tools with an emphasis on using liposomes as flexible delivery vehicles. Potential strengths and technical difficulties encountered in advancing this platform are summarized. Critical functional determinants of nanoparticle delivery systems and future strategies to improve efficacy and specificity are described.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / adverse effects
  • Antineoplastic Agents / chemistry
  • Antineoplastic Agents / metabolism
  • Biological Transport
  • Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
  • Child
  • Drug Carriers*
  • Humans
  • Liposomes
  • Nanomedicine*
  • Nanoparticles*
  • Nanotechnology*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Pediatrics / methods*
  • Permeability
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Drug Carriers
  • Liposomes
  • Polyethylene Glycols