EphA2-targeted immunoliposomes for delivering docetaxel are useful in the treatment of certain types of cancer. The immunoliposomes can include an EphA2 targeting moiety (e.g., a scFv) and encapsulate a docetaxel prodrug in a stable salt form within a liposome having an average size of about 100 nm. Novel docetaxel prodrugs suitable for loading into nanoliposomes (including immunoliposomes) are provided, along with novel and other useful EphA2 targeting moieties for preparation of EphA2-targeted doxorubicin-generating immunoliposome therapies. Pharmaceutical compositions can be prepared that include nanoliposomes encapsulating one or more docetaxel prodrugs, and/or immunoliposomes or nanoparticles comprising an EphA2 binding moiety and encapsulating one or more docetaxel prodrugs. The pharmaceutical compositions are useful for administration to a patient for the treatment of cancer.
