PHYTOSOMES AND LIPOSOMES AS THERAPEUTIC DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS IN LUNG CANCER

Phytosomes and liposomes are lipid-based nanocarriers and are used to improve the delivery of antineoplastic agents, especially poorly soluble phytochemicals. Liposomes are established as parenteral therapy and active targeting whereas phytosomes that are phospholipid phytochemical complexes demonstrates superior efficacy in terms of oral bioavailability and membrane permeation. In this review, we compare their structures, formulation strategies, pharmacokinetics, and translational evidence across cancers with particular emphasis on lung cancer. Recent reviews and syntheses suggest that phytosomes improve the absorption and effectiveness of polyphenols and terpenoids compared to their free forms and, in certain cases, compared to traditional nanoforms, as demonstrated by a meta-analysis of 93 studies linking particle size, charge, and polydispersity index to cytotoxicity results. Preclinical examples, such as tetrahydrocurcumin-phytosomes and MeJA-DMARE-phytosomes, show tumor inhibition and selective mechanisms, while liposomal systems take the lead in targeted approaches, responsive designs, and clinical application readiness. We discuss the circumstances under which phytosomes or liposomes are more advantageous based on administration route, payload, and medical indication, identify shortcomings in direct comparison studies in oncology (particularly in non-small cell lung cancer), and offer a strategic plan for hybrid or ligand-modified designs to facilitate further development.