It has been proven through research that liposomes have a natural ability to target cancer cells.  Most healthy cells in the body are surrounded by tightly connected endothelial cells. However, tumour cells do not have this endothelial cell encapsulation, which allows material to leak out of the blood. Liposomes, however, can enter the bloodstream through these gaps in the endothelial cell layer and deliver drugs directly to the site of cell overgrowth. Some anticancer drugs in use today involve a liposomal delivery system, such as  Doxorubicin (Doxil), Camptothecin and Daunorubicin (Daunoxome). Research has also shown that these liposomal delivery methods are especially effective with treatment of breast cancer, by specifically targeting the cancerous cells. This is a major breakthrough in the field of cancer therapy, because the use of liposomal delivery methods can prevent the side-effects that often accompany chemotherapy and radiation treatment by delivering the radiation directly to the site of the cancerous tissue. [Citation 51] [Citation 52]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liposomes for Targeted Cancer Drug Delivery

[Image Citation 55]