Role of liposomal anthracyclines in breast cancer

Anthracyclines are among the most effective drugs for patients with breast cancer. Their use, however, has been limited by associated toxic effects, including myelosuppression, alopecia, nausea and vomiting, stomatitis, and most importantly, cardiotoxicity. Liposomal anthracyclines were developed to increase the therapeutic index of conventional anthracyclines by maintaining antitumor efficacy while improving the safety profile. There are currently two liposomal formulations available for treatment of advanced disease: a not pegylated liposomal doxorubicin and a pegylated liposomal doxorubicin. This review will focus on both liposomal formulations of doxorubicin which are approved in Europe and Canada for use in patients with metastatic breast cancer.