19
Nov 2019
Scientists claim cancer drugs can be delivered through sound waves and air bubbles
Researchers from the University of California say they can now use air bubbles and sound waves to deliver toxic cancer drugs directly to tumours. The technique relies on a machine which is able to manoeuvre microscopic bubbles using energy from sound waves.
Drugs are contained within the bubbles and guided through the body using vibrations, the bubbles burst when they arrive at the site of the tumour.
The new therapy could make it easier for doctors to trace drugs’ progress through the body and to avoid side effects arising from medications affecting healthy tissue outside of their targets.
The bubbles, which measure at less than 10 micrometres across, are controlled by ultrasound machines which convert electricity into sound wave energy – minuscule, ultra-fast vibrations which ripple through the air. The bubbles could be driven around by these vibrations in a similar way to magnets controlling pieces of metal even through other materials.
Dr Xuejun Qian, research author, said “In conventional drug delivery, tissue is examined (outside of the body) under the microscope, or radioactive materials are used to trace drugs (on the inside).
“We propose a new way to image and move the drug precisely inside the human body by combining the new plane wave imaging method with a focused ultrasound transducer.”
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Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.
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