Ultrasound-augmented cancer immunotherapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Immunology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Cancer immunotherapy has advanced but faces challenges like poor patient response and immune-related adverse events.
• Developing alternative strategies to improve therapeutic efficacy and minimize side effects is crucial for cancer treatment.
• Ultrasound exhibits significant antitumor potential through mechanisms like cavitation, pyrolysis, and sonoporation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the research progress of ultrasound-enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
• To focus on various ultrasound-related mechanisms and strategies for improving cancer treatment.
• To summarize sonosensitizer design and application in sonodynamic therapy for future cancer therapy guidance.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of ultrasound-enhanced cancer immunotherapy.
• Analysis of ultrasound-related mechanisms (cavitation, pyrolysis, sonoporation).
• Summary of sonodynamic therapy and sonosensitizers.

Main Results:

• Ultrasound offers unique characteristics beneficial for antitumor applications.
• Sonodynamic therapy using sonosensitizers is a key strategy in ultrasound-enhanced immunotherapy.
• Current research highlights various ultrasound-based approaches to boost immunotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Ultrasound-enhanced cancer immunotherapy presents a promising avenue for overcoming current treatment limitations.
• Further research into sonosensitizers and ultrasound mechanisms can guide future cancer therapy development.
• This review provides a foundation for exploring novel directions in ultrasound-assisted cancer treatment.