| abstract |
A drug/liposome composition comprising an aqueous suspension of liposomes and, entrapped in the lipid bilayer region of the liposomes, an anthraquinone drug containing quinone and hydroquinone functionalities on adjacent anthracene rings. An iron-specific trihydroxamic chelating agent contained in the bulk aqueous phase of the suspension and a lipophilic free-radical scavenger contained in the bilayer region of the liposome cooperate to reduce chemical modification of both drug and lipid components of the composition. A preferred composition containing doxorubicin and alpha-tocopherol entrapped in the liposomes, and ferrioxamine in the aqueous suspension phase is effective in treating human neoplasms, with significantly reduced side effects over those produced by free-drug administration. |