Formulation and Evaluation of Magnetic Liposomal Aerosol Containing Etoposide in the treatment of Lung Cancer

Abstract

Lung cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide, largely due to late diagnosis, systemic toxicity of conventional chemotherapy, and the emergence of multidrug resistance. Etoposide, a topoisomerase II inhibitor, is widely used in treating small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC); however, its clinical use is limited by poor aqueous solubility, rapid clearance, and non-specific distribution, leading to severe side effects. This study aims to develop and evaluate a magnetically guided liposomal drug delivery system encapsulating etoposide for targeted lung cancer therapy. Liposomes, due to their biocompatibility and ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, were selected as the carrier system. Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) were incorporated into the liposomes to enable magnetic field-guided targeting, improving drug localization at tumor sites. The prepared magnetic liposomes were characterized for particle size, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, morphology, and magnetic properties. In vitro release studies demonstrated sustained and controlled drug release, while cytotoxicity assays on A549 lung cancer cells showed enhanced anticancer activity compared to free etoposide. The presence of an external magnetic field significantly improved cellular uptake and localization. This targeted approach aims to overcome the pharmacokinetic limitations of etoposide, reduce systemic toxicity, and enhance therapeutic efficacy. The findings suggest that etoposide-loaded magnetic liposomes offer a promising non-invasive strategy for lung cancer treatment, warranting further preclinical and clinical evaluation.