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Published on: December 15, 2010
A novel therapeutic strategy using ultrasound mediated microbubbles destruction to treat colon cancer in a mouse
Pintong Huang1, Xiangdong You, Minqiang Pan
1Department of Radiology, the 1st Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China.
Abstract:
The goal of this study was to determine whether ultrasound mediated microbubbles destruction (UMMD) could inhibit colon cancer growth in a mouse model. Six-week-old balb/c female nude mice were subcutaneously inoculated with HT29-GFP cells (HT29 cells labeled with green fluorescent dye) in axilla to establish a xenograft mouse model of colon carcinoma, which were randomly divided into five groups (n=10 each): group A (blank group): no treatment; group B (saline only); group C (saline+ultrasound exposure); group D (intravenous microbubbles only); and group E (intravenous microbubbles+ultrasound exposure). Treatment of each group was performed on days 20, 21, and 22 after inoculation. Tumor growth and metastatic spread were monitored by the whole-body fluorescent imaging, tumor volume growth and body weight growth curve were obtained as well. The mice were euthanized 30 days after treatment. Specimens of the tumor tissues were evaluated pathologically using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Necrosis percentages, microvascular density and tumor cells damage of each tumor were assessed histologically. Our data indicate that: (1) tumor growth in group E (intravenous microbubbles+ultrasound exposure) was significantly decreased after four weeks post inoculation, compared with other control treatments (P<0.05); (2) the tumor weight at sacrifice in group E was significantly lower than that in other groups; (3) The intravenous microbubbles combined with ultrasound exposure treated mice showed significantly decreased expression levels of CD31. (4)The pathological changes of absence of nucleus membrane, chromatin condensation, mitochondrial vacuolation and hemorrhagic damage of microvessel were observed in the tumors of group E only, whereas these changes occurred rarely in other groups; and (5) no metastatic lesion was found in any group throughout this study using whole-body fluorescent imaging, and the skin of the mouse in group E was intact after UMMD treatment. Our results suggest that UMMD can be used as a promising novel therapeutic strategy to treat colon cancer.
Insights
Ultrasound mediated microbubble destruction (UMMD) significantly inhibited colon cancer growth in mice by reducing tumor size and weight. This novel therapeutic strategy shows promise for treating colon cancer effectively.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Colon cancer remains a significant global health challenge.
- Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
- Ultrasound mediated microbubble destruction (UMMD) is an emerging technology with potential anti-cancer applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound mediated microbubble destruction (UMMD) in inhibiting colon cancer growth and metastasis in a mouse model.
- To assess the pathological changes and molecular markers associated with UMMD treatment in colon tumors.
Main Methods:
- A xenograft mouse model of colon carcinoma was established using HT29-GFP cells.
- Mice were randomly divided into five groups: control, saline, saline+ultrasound, microbubbles only, and microbubbles+ultrasound.
- Tumor growth, volume, body weight, and metastatic spread were monitored using fluorescent imaging and pathological analysis.
Main Results:
- UMMD significantly decreased tumor growth and weight compared to control groups (P<0.05).
- UMMD treatment led to decreased expression of CD31, indicating reduced angiogenesis.
- Pathological examination revealed significant tumor cell damage and microvascular injury in the UMMD-treated group.
Conclusions:
- UMMD is a promising novel therapeutic strategy for colon cancer.
- UMMD effectively inhibits tumor growth and induces tumor cell damage without causing metastasis or significant skin damage.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical applicability of UMMD in colon cancer treatment.
