Current update of a thermosensitive liposomes composed of DPPC and Brij78

Thermosensitive liposomes (TSLs) have been a prominent area of study in the discipline of tumour-targeted chemotherapeutics. The representative product of TSLs is ThermoDox^® (DPPC/lyso-PC/PEG-lipid), which has advanced to Phase III clinical trials. Various groups have sought to develop a new TSL to improve upon the LTSL (lyso-lipid temperature-sensitive liposomes) formulation that is used to prepare ThermoDOX^®. This review focuses on the development and recent update of an innovative TSL formulation, HaT-liposomes composed of DPPC and Brij78. Various parameters of LTSL and HaT-liposomes are compared, including size, loading efficiency, transition temperature, temperature-dependent release kinetics, stability, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and antitumour activity. Theranostic techniques involving HaT-liposomes are reported with regard to magnetic resonance imaging of drug delivery to tumours and identification of an early therapeutic biomarker in the treated tumour. The development of a further improved TSL formulation upon HaT-liposomes with improved stability and prolonged blood circulation is reported. Delivery of membrane impermeable drugs using HaT-liposomes is explored. Finally, the challenges and future perspectives of this technology are discussed.