Comparison of conventional doxorubicin with liposome encapsulated doxorubicin as a treatment of breast cancer-a review

Abstract

Breast cancer continues to be one of the most common reasons for hospitalization and mortality each year. As time goes on, novel anticancer drug formulations are being released on the market, raising the concern of medical professionals due to their superiority, toxicology, and cost-effectiveness compared to the traditional formulation of the same drugs. Doxorubicin is an effective cancer drug that comes in three forms: pegylated liposomal, nonpegylated liposomal, and conventional non-liposomal. Although it is more expensive, liposomal doxorubicin has been shown to have a more favorable toxicological profile than conventional. The cost-effectiveness of liposomal doxorubicin has not been thoroughly investigated due to the small number of research that have been conducted. Apart from that this article highlights the use of traditional doxorubicin has been somewhat restricted due to the adverse effects it can produce, whereas liposomal formulation has favorable safety profile. In the overall treatment of breast cancer, the formation of a liposomal form of doxorubicin, which is less harmful to the heart, better tolerated, and just as effective, expands the therapeutic alternatives available.