TARGETED LIPOSOMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS FOR ENHANCED CANCER THERAPY: FORMULATION, MECHANISMS, AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL

Cancer therapy faces major limitations due to systemic toxicity, low selectivity, and multidrug resistance of chemotherapeutic agents. Liposomal drug delivery systems (LDDS) are nanoscale vesicles capable of encapsulating hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, improving solubility, stability, pharmacokinetics, and biodistribution. Targeted liposomes modified with ligands such as folic acid, antibodies, transferrin, or peptides enhance tumor-specific drug accumulation via passive and active targeting. This review provides a detailed discussion on formulation strategies, targeting mechanisms, physicochemical characterization, preclinical and clinical outcomes, therapeutic applications, advantages, limitations, and future perspectives of targeted liposomes for cancer therapy. Special emphasis is given to PEGylation, stimuli-responsive release, co-delivery of drugs, and overcoming multidrug resistance. Recent studies demonstrate improved tumor inhibition, reduced systemic toxicity, and prolonged circulation times, highlighting the clinical promise of targeted liposomal systems.