liposomal iodine

Liposomal iodine is a long-circulating nanoparticle-based contrast agent designed for computed tomography (CT) imaging of solid tumors. It consists of iodixanol encapsulated within liposomes composed of 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), cholesterol, and 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N-[methoxy (polyethylene glycol)-2000] (DSPE-MPEG2000), typically sized at approximately 140 nm. This liposomal formulation alters the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of iodine, leading to prolonged blood residence time and systemic clearance primarily via the reticulo-endothelial system (RES) rather than renal excretion, potentially reducing nephrotoxicity. The agent's ability to extravasate and accumulate in solid tumors, partly due to the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, allows for improved and prolonged visualization of primary and metastatic lesions in CT scans. It has been investigated in companion dogs with naturally occurring cancers as a translational model for human cancers.