Aptamer–liposome targeted nanotherapeutics for cancer therapy: Bibliometric analysis, recent developments and future perspectives

As one of the leading causes of death worldwide, cancer has driven the advancement of targeted therapy toward greater precision and reduced off-target effects. Liposomes, with their biocompatibility, tunable properties, and clinical success, are among the most promising nanocarriers, yet their tumor-targeting specificity remains limited. Aptamer-functionalized liposomes provide a synergistic solution by combining selective aptamer-receptor recognition with efficient drug encapsulation, achieving enhanced tumor targeting and controlled release. Recent advances have expanded this platform toward multi-targeting, stimuli-responsive systems, and theranostic applications, thereby extending the potential of conventional liposomes. This review offers an integrated perspective on the structural design, internalization pathways, and therapeutic applications of aptamer-liposome systems across various cancers. Key barriers, including aptamer instability, scalable conjugation, and limited clinical translation, are critically discussed, alongside emerging strategies to address them. The convergence of aptamer targeting and liposomal delivery represents a transformative step toward next-generation nanotherapeutics, offering a paradigm shift in precision oncology by enabling personalized, selective, and multifunctional cancer therapy.