Hari Krishnareddy Rachamalla
Lipid nanoparticles/liposomes (LNPs) represent a highly adaptable nanocarrier system that has gained significant traction in oncology for both therapeutic and diagnostic (theranostic) purposes. Their structural flexibility, biocompatibility, and capacity to encapsulate diverse therapeutic agents ranging from chemotherapeutics to nucleic acids and imaging tracers have enabled targeted cancer treatment with improved efficacy and reduced systemic toxicity. This review critically examines liposome-based platforms across a broad spectrum of cancers, including melanoma, lung, colorectal, liver, breast, ovarian, pancreatic, brain tumors, sarcoma, neuroblastoma, and leukemia. It outlines recent advances in ligand-mediated targeting, pH- and temperature-responsive release systems, and multifunctional LNPs capable of delivering combined therapeutic and imaging payloads. Moreover, the review discusses preclinical outcomes, current clinical trial status, and the challenges hindering clinical translation. By integrating recent innovations and emphasizing translational potential, this work highlights the pivotal role of LNPs in advancing precision cancer therapeutics and diagnostics.