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Current Molecular Medicine

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1566-5240
ISSN (Online): 1875-5666

Review Article

Liposomes as a Promising Ultrasound-Triggered Drug Delivery System in Cancer Treatment

Author(s): N.M. Salkho, R.Z. Turki, O. Guessoum, A.M. Martins, R.F. Vitor and G.A. Husseini*

Volume 17, Issue 10, 2017

Page: [668 - 688] Pages: 21

DOI: 10.2174/1566524018666180416100142

Price: $65

Abstract

The initial uses of ultrasound waves in the medical field were limited to the thermal ablation of solid tumors and as a diagnostic tool. Recent advances at the preclinical stage have allowed the use of ultrasound as a powerful tool to improve drug delivery when the agent is administered encapsulated inside a nanoparticle. This spatial and temporal control of drug release, using a non-invasive modality, is a promising approach to decrease the side effects of conventional chemotherapy in cancer treatments, as it reduces the interaction of the anti-neoplastic agent with healthy tissues.

In this review, we explain the physics of ultrasound, introduce and discuss several examples on the use of nanoparticles as drug carriers, with a focus on liposomes. Examples of in vitro and in vivo studies are presented and discussed.

Keywords: Cancer, liposomes, drug delivery, ultrasound, drug release, anti-neoplastic agent.


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