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Sonopermeation Enhances Uptake and Therapeutic Effect of Free and Encapsulated Cabazitaxel

Sofie Snipstad1, Ýrr Mørch2, Einar Sulheim1

  • 1Department of Biotechnology and Nanomedicine, SINTEF Industry, Trondheim, Norway; Department of Physics, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; Cancer Clinic, St. Olav's Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.

Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology
|February 7, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Ultrasound combined with microbubbles enhances drug delivery to tumors, significantly reducing tumor growth and prolonging survival in mice. This approach improves nanoparticle uptake, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Nanomedicine
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Tumor drug delivery is often insufficient, limiting treatment efficacy.
  • Ultrasound and microbubbles can enhance drug penetration and accumulation in tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the efficacy of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery using microbubbles for prostate cancer treatment.
  • To evaluate the impact of different microbubble shell compositions (lipid vs. nanoparticle) on drug delivery and therapeutic response.

Main Methods:

  • A subcutaneous prostate cancer xenograft mouse model was used.
  • Free or nanoparticle-encapsulated cabazitaxel was administered with ultrasound and microbubbles (lipid or nanoparticle shells).
  • Tumor growth, survival rates, and nanoparticle uptake were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Sonopermeation significantly reduced tumor growth and prolonged survival (26%-100%) across all tested microbubble and drug formulations.
  • Enhanced nanoparticle uptake was observed post-ultrasound treatment, persisting for several weeks.
  • Treatment variations within groups could not be explained by cavitation dose or total nanoparticle accumulation.

Conclusions:

  • Ultrasound and microbubbles effectively improve cabazitaxel delivery and therapeutic outcomes in a prostate cancer model.
  • Nanoparticle-encapsulated drugs combined with ultrasound offer a potent strategy for enhanced tumor treatment.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying tumor biology and mechanisms of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery.
Keywords:
CabazitaxelCavitationDrug deliveryMicrobubblesNanomedicineNanoparticlesSonochemotherapySonopermeationSonoporationUltrasound

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