Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2025
Fabricating and Labeling Microbubbles with Fluorescent and Radioactive Tracers
Published on: January 24, 2025
Application of Ultrasound Combined with Microbubbles for Cancer Therapy
Deepa Sharma1,2,3, Kai Xuan Leong1, Gregory J Czarnota1,2,3
1Physical Sciences, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, Canada.
Abstract:
At present, cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Treatment failure remains one of the prime hurdles in cancer treatment due to the metastatic nature of cancer. Techniques have been developed to hinder the growth of tumours or at least to stop the metastasis process. In recent years, ultrasound therapy combined with microbubbles has gained immense success in cancer treatment. Ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) combined with other cancer treatments including radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy has demonstrated potential improved outcomes in various in vitro and in vivo studies. Studies have shown that low dose radiation administered with USMB can have similar effects as high dose radiation therapy. In addition, the use of USMB in conjunction with radiotherapy or chemotherapy can minimize the toxicity of high dose radiation or chemotherapeutic drugs, respectively. In this review, we discuss the biophysical properties of USMB treatment and its applicability in cancer therapy. In particular, we highlight important preclinical and early clinical findings that demonstrate the antitumour effect combining USMB and other cancer treatment modalities (radiotherapy and chemotherapy). Our review mainly focuses on the tumour vascular effects mediated by USMB and these cancer therapies. We also discuss several current limitations, in addition to ongoing and future efforts for applying USMB in cancer treatment.
Insights
Ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) enhance cancer treatments like radiation and chemotherapy. This approach shows promise in reducing treatment toxicity and improving outcomes by targeting tumor vasculature.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biophysics
- Medical Imaging and Therapy
Background:
- Cancer remains a leading global cause of death, with treatment failure often linked to metastasis.
- Conventional cancer therapies face challenges including toxicity and limited efficacy against metastatic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biophysical properties and therapeutic applications of ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) in cancer treatment.
- To highlight preclinical and early clinical findings on USMB combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
- To focus on the tumor vascular effects mediated by USMB and its synergistic effects with other cancer therapies.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and early clinical studies on USMB combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
- Analysis of biophysical mechanisms underlying USMB action.
- Examination of tumor vascular effects and treatment outcome data.
Main Results:
- USMB combined with radiation therapy can achieve similar effects to high-dose radiation with reduced toxicity.
- USMB in conjunction with chemotherapy can minimize drug-related toxicity.
- Studies demonstrate improved outcomes in various in vitro and in vivo models when USMB is used with other cancer treatments.
Conclusions:
- USMB represents a promising approach to enhance existing cancer therapies, potentially improving efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Further research and clinical efforts are needed to fully realize the potential of USMB in cancer treatment, particularly concerning its vascular effects.
- USMB holds potential for minimizing toxicity and improving outcomes in radiation and chemotherapy for cancer patients.
