Imaging Guided Endogenic H₂ -Augmented Electrochemo-Sonodynamic Domino Co-therapy of Tumor in Vivo

Precise and on-demand release of sufficient hydrogen (H₂ ) to tumor sites remains a key challenge for emerging H₂ -oncotherapy, and little is known about the physiological effects of "abundant" H₂ on complex tumor microenvironments (TME). Here, a highly efficient and cost-effective imaging-guided/-assessed H₂ -therapy of tumors based on a joint electrochemo-sonodynamic treatment (H₂ -EC/SD co-therapy) with strong "domino effect" triggered by endogenous H₂ generation at tumor sites is reported to speedily eliminate tumor tissue (≤80 mm³ ) within 1 day. Adequate H₂ is controllably generated in tumor sites through mild electrochemistry in vivo due to acidic TME by using clinical acupuncture Fe needles as electrodes. Besides starvation damage due to gas blockage/destruction of vessels, nano-/micro-bubbles of H₂ formed in situ can elevate the tumor's internal temperature and burst vessels to further destroy the tumor under ultrasound irradiation. Remarkably, vulnerable homeostasis of TME is disturbed as H₂ also participates in the physiological activity of tumor cells, leading to tumor dysfunction. Last but not least, the body's inflammatory response to cancer is reduced after the treatment, which is beneficial for the body's immune system during post-treatment recovery. Based on all of these merits, the H₂ -EC/SD co-therapy provides a potentially safe and viable therapeutic strategy for future clinical applications.