Abstract
Particulate drug carriers such as liposomes, microcapsules and microemulsions have been intensively studied for past several decades as a part of drug delivery system. Several products are commercially available for therapeutic use such as liposomal amphotericin B or doxorubicin. Further progress in preparatory technology of particulates as well as development of new materials for particulates enables to make various nano-sized particulate carriers that are expected to give practical solutions to therapeutic problems of specific to each drug. In this article, 2 cytostatic drugs, i.e. paclitaxel and doxorubicin, were taken as examples. Properties of the drug, current formulation and usage, some points to be improved in clinical use were presented. Approaches to apply particulate technology to solve such issues were discussed by referring recent results in published in vivo studies. Drug-loading particulates prepared by using optimal technology and additional functions can be promising options to improve therapeutic effects and reduce side effect of these drugs
