Researchers at the University of California, Davis are using ultrasound as a method of treatment for cancer patients.
In partnership with a private company, ImaxRx Inc., UC, Davis researchers are studying ways to deliver drugs to tumors using focused ultrasound. Cancer fighting drugs would be put into tiny capsules that are injected into the bloodstream and can be steered to a tumor using ultrasound. Once there, the capsules target the tumor through antibodies or other molecules coating the capsule surface. They also can be burst open with a focused pulse of ultrasound.
"The idea is to locally concentrate the drug," said Katherine Ferrara, professor and chair of biomedical engineering at UC, Davis, principal investigator on the grant. Many cancer drugs have toxic side effects. By concentrating the drug capsules in the tumor, the total dose of drug affecting the rest of the body can be reduced, she said.
To read the UC news release, click here.
