Liposomes for the Management of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a most prevalent causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC) and Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) being the two primary subtypes. Despite progress in early detection and treatment, challenges such as late-stage diagnosis, drug resistance, and the toxicity of conventional chemotherapy continue to hinder effective disease management. Liposomal drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising approach to improving lung cancer treatment by enhancing drug bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery. Liposomes, composed of phospholipid bilayers, have the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, allowing for sustained and controlled drug release while minimizing side effects. The Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR) factor enables passive targeting, while the upgradation of liposomes using ligands and antibodies allows for active targeting, confirming accurate drug delivery to cancer cells, improving therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, research suggests that inhalation-based liposomal formulations may reduce systemic side effects and can increase the drug concentration at tumor location. However, challenges such as drug resistance, high production costs, and scalability issues remain. Future advancements in nanotechnology, stimuli-responsive liposomes, and personalized medicine could further optimize liposomal therapies, making them a key component in the fight against lung cancer. This chapter explored the importance of liposomal drug delivery in lung cancer treatment, discussing its mechanisms, benefits, challenges, and future directions.