Ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery: recent success and remaining challenges

Castle J, Butts M, Healey A, Kent K, Marino M, Feinstein SB. Ultrasound-mediated targeted drug delivery: recent success and remaining challenges. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 304: H350-H357, 2013. First published November 30, 2012; doi: 10.1152/ajpheart.00265.2012.-The potential clinical value of developing a novel, nonviral, ultrasound-directed gene and drug delivery system is immense. Investigators soon will initiate clinical trials with the goal of treating a wide variety of maladies using noninvasive, ultrasound-based technology. The ongoing, scientific validation associated with promising preclinical success portents a novel range of therapeutics. The clinical utility and eventual clinical successes await vigorous testing. This review highlights the recent successes and challenges within the field of ultrasound-mediated drug delivery.