Ultrasound-Responsive Cavitation Nuclei for Therapy and Drug Delivery
Klazina Kooiman (Erasmus MC)
Silke Roovers (Universiteit Gent)
Simone A.G. Langeveld (Erasmus MC)
Robert T. Kleven (University of Cincinnati)
Heleen Dewitte (Universitair Ziekenhuis Gent, Universiteit Gent, Vrije Universiteit Brussel)
Meaghan A. O'Reilly (Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, University of Toronto)
Jean Michel Escoffre (Université Tours)
Ayache Bouakaz (Université Tours)
M.D. Verweij (TU Delft - ImPhys/Medical Imaging, Erasmus MC)
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Abstract
Therapeutic ultrasound strategies that harness the mechanical activity of cavitation nuclei for beneficial tissue bio-effects are actively under development. The mechanical oscillations of circulating microbubbles, the most widely investigated cavitation nuclei, which may also encapsulate or shield a therapeutic agent in the bloodstream, trigger and promote localized uptake. Oscillating microbubbles can create stresses either on nearby tissue or in surrounding fluid to enhance drug penetration and efficacy in the brain, spinal cord, vasculature, immune system, biofilm or tumors. This review summarizes recent investigations that have elucidated interactions of ultrasound and cavitation nuclei with cells, the treatment of tumors, immunotherapy, the blood–brain and blood–spinal cord barriers, sonothrombolysis, cardiovascular drug delivery and sonobactericide. In particular, an overview of salient ultrasound features, drug delivery vehicles, therapeutic transport routes and pre-clinical and clinical studies is provided. Successful implementation of ultrasound and cavitation nuclei-mediated drug delivery has the potential to change the way drugs are administered systemically, resulting in more effective therapeutics and less-invasive treatments.
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