LIPOSOME/ANTHRAQUINONE DRUG COMPOSITION AND THERAPY THEREWITH

摘要

A drug/liposome composition comprises 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. The compositions can be used for administering doxorubicin intravenously to humans, with significantly reduced incidence of side effects, and for treating primary and secondary neoplasms of the liver.