Sono-Dynamic Therapy - Details

 
 

FUNCTION SoSDT

Sonodynamic therapy is a non-invasive cancer therapy based on the interaction between low-frequency ultrasound and a so-called sonosensitizer. This method was further developed from photodynamic therapy (PDT) and uses low-intensity ultrasound instead of light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can specifically destroy tumor cells (Wang et al., 2021).

The decisive advantage of SDT lies in the deep tissue penetration of the ultrasound, which means that even hard-to-reach tumor regions can be treated. The sonosensitizers preferentially accumulate in tumor cells, and ultrasound irradiation triggers a cascade of biochemical reactions that ultimately leads to the destruction of the cancer cells (Wang et al., 2021)

 
 

EFFECT SOSDT

 

SOSDT exerts its effect through the formation of highly reactive oxygen compounds that attack tumor cells and lead to apoptosis or necrosis. In experimental studies, the treatment showed a significant inhibition of tumor growth, especially in models for metastatic breast cancer (Wang et al., 2021).

 
 

In addition, SDT has been shown to trigger an immune response by inducing Immunogenic Cell Destruction (ICD), which activates the body's immune system against cancer cells. This could provide long-term protection against tumor recurrence (Wang et al., 2021).

 
 
 
 
 

Treatment procedure
of sono-dynamic therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a non-invasive, painless treatment that is carried out in several steps:

Administration of the sonosensitizer

  • Patients receive a specially developed substance (sonosensitizer) that specifically accumulates in tumor cells.

  • This compound is necessary to make the cancer cells sensitive to the subsequent ultrasound treatment (Wang et al., 2021).

Activation by ultrasound

  • After a short exposure time, the affected area is irradiated with low-frequency ultrasound.

  • The ultrasound waves activate the sonosensitizer, which leads to the formation of highly reactive oxygen species (ROS) that specifically destroy cancer cells (Wang et al., 2021).

Destruction of tumor cells & immune activation

  • The resulting reactive oxygen compounds lead to apoptosis or necrosis of the tumor cells without affecting healthy tissue.

  • At the same time, an immune response is activated, whereby the body's own defense system takes stronger action against remaining cancer cells (Wang et al., 2021).

This targeted, gentle and effective treatment could be a promising alternative to conventional cancer therapies and offer patients a new perspective without any stressful side effects.

 

Study

Liu Wang et al, An ultrasound-driven immune-boosting molecular machine for systemic tumor suppression.Sci.
Adv.7, eabj4796 (2021). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj4796

 

Date

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