USE OF DRUG CARRIERS TO AMELIORATE THE THERAPEUTIC INDEX OF ANTHRACYCLINE ANTIBIOTICS

Anthracycline antibiotics are some of the most effective antitumor agents. However, their use is limited by lack of tumor specificity and natural or acquired resistance. Different tumor targeting strategies have been explored to enhance their therapeutic index by actively or passively target them to the tumor site. Immunoconjugates of doxorubicin and different anthracyclines incorporated into liposomes are being evaluated in clinical trials. Based on the preclinical studies, some of these agents have a definite potential of being superior antitumor agents for specific indications.