ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to evaluate lipoproteins as delivery agents for anti-cancer drugs and to discuss the challenges that have so far prevented clinical applications of lipoprotein-based formulations. Plasma lipoproteins are macromolecular complexes composed of specific protein and lipid components. The utilization of lipoprotein nanoparticles for the delivery of anti-cancer agents is based on the hypothesis that rapidly proliferating cells have a higher expression of lipoprotein receptors to meet their increased need for cholesterol. Lipoprotein-based nanoparticles have the potential to provide a superior performance compared to most alternative formulations for drug delivery agents because of their natural, biodegradable ingredients that also help to protect against rapid removal from the circulation by the reticuloendothelial system. Despite many potential advantages over other drug delivery models, the application of lipoprotein nanoparticles for cancer chemotherapy currently lags behind other drug delivery systems.
