Ultrasound-mediated nano-sized drug delivery systems for cancer treatment: Multi-scale and multi-physics computational modeling

Computational modeling enables researchers to study and understand various complex biological phenomena in anticancer drug delivery systems (DDSs), especially nano-sized DDSs (NSDDSs). The combination of NSDDSs and therapeutic ultrasound (TUS), that is, focused ultrasound and low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, has made significant progress in recent years, opening many opportunities for cancer treatment. Multiple parameters require tuning and optimization to develop effective DDSs, such as NSDDSs, in which mathematical modeling can prove advantageous. In silico computational modeling of ultrasound-responsive DDS typically involves a complex framework of acoustic interactions, heat transfer, drug release from nanoparticles, fluid flow, mass transport, and pharmacodynamic governing equations. Owing to the rapid development of computational tools, modeling the different phenomena in multi-scale complex problems involved in drug delivery to tumors has become possible. In the present study, we present an in-depth review of recent advances in the mathematical modeling of TUS-mediated DDSs for cancer treatment. A detailed discussion is also provided on applying these computational models to improve the clinical translation for applications in cancer treatment.This article is categorized under:Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in BiologyTherapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Automated summary

Computational modeling is a powerful tool to study and understand complex biological phenomena in anticancer drug delivery systems, especially nano-sized DDSs. The combination of NSDDSs and therapeutic ultrasound has shown great potential for cancer treatment. Mathematical modeling plays a crucial role in developing effective DDSs, as it involves multiple parameters and complex equations governing different phenomena. This study provides an in-depth review of recent advances in the mathematical modeling of TUS-mediated DDSs and discusses their potential for improving cancer treatment through clinical translation.