Ultrasound-Responsive Drug Delivery System for Cancer Therapy

Ultrasound-responsive drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising approach in cancer therapy, offering enhanced targeting precision, controlled drug release, and reduced systemic toxicity. These systems utilize the mechanical and thermal effects of ultrasound to enable the spatiotemporally triggered release of therapeutic payloads in tumor sites. This review provides an overview of the key mechanisms underlying ultrasound-responsive drug delivery, including the activation of sonosensitizers and prodrugs, as well as the role of ultrasound-responsive nanocarriers such as liposomes, micelles, nanobubbles, and metal-organic frameworks. We explore the biophysical effects of ultrasound, including mechanical cavitation and thermal effects, that enable localized drug release and their application in enhancing the permeability of tumor tissues. Additionally, the combination of ultrasound with other therapeutic modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy is discussed, highlighting the synergistic potential of multimodal treatment strategies. Despite the promising preclinical findings, challenges remain, such as optimizing ultrasound parameters, improving nanocarrier stability, and ensuring clinical translation. Future research is directed toward overcoming these limitations and expanding the clinical applicability of ultrasound-responsive drug delivery systems in cancer treatment. Integrating ultrasound-triggered systems with advanced imaging technologies offers a pathway toward precision medicine, allowing for tailored cancer therapies with minimized off-target effects.