Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2025

Magnetic-, Acoustic-, and Optical-Triple-Responsive Microbubbles for Magnetic Hyperthermia and Pothotothermal Combination Cancer Therapy
Published on: May 22, 2020
Modifications of Nanobubble Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Katarzyna M Terlikowska1, Bozena Dobrzycka2, Slawomir J Terlikowski3
1Department of Food Biotechnology, Medical University of Bialystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295 Bialystok, Poland.
Abstract:
Cancer development is related to genetic mutations in primary cells, where 5-10% of all cancers are derived from acquired genetic defects, most of which are a consequence of the environment and lifestyle. As it turns out, over half of cancer deaths are due to the generation of drug resistance. The local delivery of chemotherapeutic drugs may reduce their toxicity by increasing their therapeutic dose at targeted sites and by decreasing the plasma levels of circulating drugs. Nanobubbles have attracted much attention as an effective drug distribution system due to their non-invasiveness and targetability. This review aims to present the characteristics of nanobubble systems and their efficacy within the biomedical field with special emphasis on cancer treatment. In vivo and in vitro studies on cancer confirm nanobubbles' ability and good blood capillary perfusion; however, there is a need to define their safety and side effects in clinical trials.
Insights
Nanobubbles offer a promising, targeted approach to cancer treatment by improving drug delivery and reducing toxicity. Further clinical trials are needed to confirm their safety and efficacy in patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Cancer arises from genetic mutations, with environmental factors contributing significantly.
- Drug resistance is a major cause of cancer mortality, necessitating improved therapeutic strategies.
- Local drug delivery can enhance efficacy and reduce systemic toxicity of chemotherapeutics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the characteristics of nanobubble systems for biomedical applications.
- To evaluate the efficacy of nanobubbles in cancer treatment.
- To highlight the potential of nanobubbles in overcoming drug resistance.
Main Methods:
- Review of in vivo and in vitro studies on nanobubble systems in cancer models.
- Analysis of nanobubble characteristics, including drug loading and release.
- Assessment of nanobubble targeting capabilities and blood capillary perfusion.
Main Results:
- Nanobubbles demonstrate effective drug delivery and good blood capillary perfusion in cancer models.
- Targeted delivery via nanobubbles shows potential for increasing drug concentration at tumor sites.
- Nanobubble systems offer a non-invasive and targetable alternative for drug distribution.
Conclusions:
- Nanobubbles show significant promise as an advanced drug delivery system for cancer therapy.
- Further research and clinical trials are essential to establish the safety and side effect profile of nanobubbles.
- Nanobubble technology may play a crucial role in combating drug resistance and improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Targeted Cancer Therapies
There are several types of targeted therapies against...
Tumor Immunotherapy

