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Updated: Jun 14, 2026
Analysis of Lymph Node Volume by Ultra-High-Frequency Ultrasound Imaging in the Braf/Pten Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of Melanoma
Published on: September 8, 2021
Antivascular ultrasound therapy extends survival of mice with implanted melanomas
Andrew K W Wood1, Susan M Schultz, William M-F Lee
1Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
Abstract:
The goal of this murine investigation was to evaluate the effect of an antivascular ultrasound treatment on the growth of an implanted melanoma and the consequent survival rate. After the intravenous injection of 0.2 mL ultrasound contrast agent (Definity), therapy (n = 15) was performed on 1-mL tumors for 3 min with low-intensity continuous ultrasound (3 MHz; 2.4 +/- 0.1 W cm(-2) [I(SATA)]); control mice (n = 17) received a sham treatment. Mice were euthanized once the tumor had reached 3 mL, and then survival percentage vs. time curves were plotted. The median survival time (time for tumor to reach 3 mL) for the treated group was 23 d and for the control group was 18 d; the difference was statistically significant (p
Insights
Antivascular ultrasound therapy significantly slowed melanoma growth and improved survival in mice. This novel treatment targets tumor vasculature, offering promising potential for future clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Melanoma is a significant form of skin cancer.
- Effective treatments targeting tumor vascularization are crucial for improving patient outcomes.
- Ultrasound-based therapies offer a non-invasive approach to target tumor vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of antivascular ultrasound treatment on melanoma growth in a murine model.
- To assess the impact of this ultrasound therapy on the survival rates of tumor-bearing mice.
- To investigate ultrasound's potential for tumor vascular disruption.
Main Methods:
- Murine model with implanted melanoma tumors.
- Intravenous injection of ultrasound contrast agent (Definity).
- Low-intensity continuous ultrasound therapy (3 MHz; 2.4 W cm(-2)) applied to tumors.
- Sham treatment administered to control group.
- Tumor growth monitored until 3 mL; survival curves plotted.
Main Results:
- Antivascular ultrasound therapy significantly reduced melanoma growth rate.
- Median survival time increased from 18 days (control) to 23 days (treated group).
- The observed difference in survival was statistically significant (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
- Antivascular ultrasound therapy effectively inhibits melanoma growth in mice.
- This ultrasound approach enhances survival rates by targeting tumor vasculature.
- Further clinical investigation of this tumor vascular disruption therapy is warranted.
