Innovations in Cancer Therapy: Endogenous Stimuli-Responsive Liposomes as Advanced Nanocarriers

TORRES, JAZMÍN; VALENZUELA OSES, JOHANNA KARINA; RABASCO-ÁLVAREZ, ANTONIO MARÍA; GONZÁLEZ-RODRÍGUEZ, MARÍA LUISA; GARCÍA, MÓNICA CRISTINA

Pharmaceutics

MDPI

Lugar: Basilea; Año: 2025 vol. 17

Recent advancements in nanotechnology have revolutionized cancer therapy—oneof the most pressing global health challenges and a leading cause of death—through thedevelopment of liposomes (L), lipid-based nanovesicles known for their biocompatibilityand ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. More recent innovationshave led to the creation of stimuli-responsive L that release their payloads in response tospecific endogenous or exogenous triggers. Dual- and multi-responsive L, which reactto multiple stimuli, offer even greater precision, improving therapeutic outcomes whilereducing systemic toxicity. Additionally, these smart L can adjust their physicochemicalproperties and morphology to enable site-specific targeting and controlled drug release,enhancing treatment efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. This review explores thelatest advancements in endogenous stimuli-responsive liposomal nanocarriers, as well asdual- and multi-responsive L that integrate internal and external triggers, with a focus ontheir design strategies, mechanisms, and applications in cancer therapy.