Current advances in liposome–extracellular vesicle hybrid systems for cancer drug delivery

Abstract

Background

Hybrid nanovesicles that combine elements of liposomes and extracellular vesicles (EVs) create a versatile platform for cancer therapy. These systems aim to overcome important limitations of their parent platforms, such as scalability, specificity and stability. They do this by combining the strength and drug-loading ability of synthetic liposomes with the natural targeting and immune-modulating functions of EVs.

Main Body

Recent progress in preparation methods, such as controlled membrane fusion techniques and microfluidic-assisted assembly, has allowed for better encapsulation and improved drug delivery performance. These hybrid systems have shown greater tumour targeting, lower overall toxicity and promising uses in cancer immunotherapy during preclinical studies. Their potential is especially significant in developing cell-free vaccine strategies.

Conclusion

Even though challenges remain in large-scale production, consistency from batch to batch, and meeting regulations, new evidence points to their promise as next-generation platforms for more effective and personalised cancer treatment.