Liposomes and Niosomes: New trends and applications in the delivery of bioactive agents for cancer therapy

Lipid-based nanocarriers have been in continuous development as strategies to enhance drug delivery efficiency. Liposomes are delivery systems primarily composed of phospholipids and cholesterol (or other suitable stabilizers) that have transformed the pharmaceutical field by improving drug targeting and release control. The success of this technology is strongly attributed to phospholipids, which are components of cell membranes, forming a biocompatible system. Nevertheless, drawbacks related to their production cost and stability under certain conditions led to the development of niosomes by replacing phospholipids with non-ionic surfactants. Both liposomes and niosomes have been widely studied and optimized for the delivery of bioactive agents targeting many diseases, including cancer. They can improve the efficacy of cancer therapy by reducing toxicity and off-target effects. Due to the complexity of this disease, many approaches should be considered, and the composition and physical properties of liposomes and niosomes influence the outcomes. In this review, we discuss the role of liposomes and niosomes in delivering bioactives for cancer therapy, emphasizing their specific characteristics, associated challenges, and the latest advancements aimed at enhancing their effectiveness.