Liposomal-encapsulated chemotherapy: Preliminary results of a phase I study of a novel liposomal paclitaxel

Liposome encapsulation of antineoplastic drugs entered clinical testing in the late 1980s. As carriers for a variety of agents, liposomes can allow su ccessful delivery of agents that may be subject to rapid degradation in the serum and can modify the toxicity profile. In general, liposomes have demo nstrated an ability to attenuate toxicities by their different pharmacokine tic profile and pattern Of distribution. Differences in the constitution of tile liposome can gl early affect tile pharmacokinetic profile resulting i n different patterns of toxicity. Characteristics such as size, charge, com position, and integrity call affect performance of the liposome. Liposome e ncapsulation of doxorubicin has been shown to reduce cardiac toxicity. Prel iminary data suggest that encapsulation of paclitaxel can greatly modify ne urotoxicity without the need for cremephor.