Cavitation-enhanced delivery of macromolecules into an obstructed vessel

J Acoust Soc Am. 2010 Nov;128(5):EL310-15. doi: 10.1121/1.3496388.

Abstract

Poor drug penetration through tumor tissue has emerged as a fundamental obstacle to cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to examine the ability of cavitation instigated by high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to increase convective transport of a model therapeutic in an in vitro tumor model. Cavitation activity was quantified by analyzing passively recorded acoustic emissions, and mass transfer was quantified using post-treatment image analysis of the distribution of a dye-labeled macromolecule. The strong correlation between cavitation activity and drug delivery suggests the potential for non-invasive treatment and monitoring.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acoustics
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Arterial Occlusive Diseases / diagnostic imaging
  • Drug Delivery Systems / methods*
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Macromolecular Substances / pharmacokinetics*
  • Models, Biological
  • Neoplasms / blood supply
  • Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Tumor Microenvironment
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / methods*
  • Ultrasonography

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Macromolecular Substances