Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common extracranial solid
tumor in childhood and the most frequently diagnosed
neoplasm during infancy. Despite of aggressive treatment strategies, the 5-year survival rate for metastatic disease is still less than 60% and, consequently, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. For increasing the therapeutic index of anticancer drugs, while reducing side effects, one of the most promising strategies in modern
chemotherapy is based on the development of innovative drug delivery systems, such as
liposomes. "Anticancer drug"-loaded
liposomes have demonstrated enhanced ability to target to the affected area, as well as increased antitumor efficacy compared to conventional drugs.
Liposomes tend to extravasate preferentially and to accumulate into
tumor interstitial fluids, due to the defective structure of the new angiogenic vessels within the
tumor masses. This inherent
tumor selectivity can be increased further by coupling
tumor-specific
antibodies or other targeting moieties to the surface of the
lipid envelope. Here, we describe the methodology used in these studies, as well as the antitumor results obtained by the use of several "anticancer drugs," encapsulated into antibody- and
peptide-targeted liposomal formulations, against NB.