ABSTRACT
In order to abolish the function of established vessels and/or suppress the formation of neovascular networks, various drug delivery vehicles have been used to target experimental therapeutics to the tumor vascular surface. The endothelium is a structural barrier separating the intravascular compartment from the tissue space. The endothelium is responsible for synthesizing a variety of molecules, regulating endothelial cell migration, proliferation, blood vessel maturation, and function. The vascular networks of tumors have an increased permeability for macromolecules and a higher proliferation rate of endothelial cells compared to vessels in quiescent tissues. The use of cationic liposomes to deliver experimental therapeutics to solid tumors is a promising alternative to interstitial targeting approaches. However, formulations should be optimized and prescreened in preclinical models to establish clinical relevance. Cationic liposomes have been used to mediate efficient transfection of a variety of different mammalian cell types.
