Theranostics in the vasculature: bioeffects of ultrasound and microbubbles to induce vascular shutdown

Ultrasound-triggered microbubbles destruction leading to vascular shutdown have resulted in preclinical studies in tumor growth delay or inhibition, lesion formation, radio-sensitization and modulation of the immune micro-environment. Antivascular ultrasound aims to be developed as a focal, targeted, non-invasive, mechanical and non-thermal treatment, alone or in combination with other treatments, and this review positions these treatments among the wider therapeutic ultrasound domain. Antivascular effects have been reported for a wide range of ultrasound exposure conditions, and evidence points to a prominent role of cavitation as the main mechanism. At relatively low peak negative acoustic pressure, predominantly non-inertial cavitation is most likely induced, while higher peak negative pressures lead to inertial cavitation and bubbles collapse. Resulting bioeffects start with inflammation and/or loose opening of the endothelial lining of the vessel. The latter causes vascular access of tissue factor, leading to platelet aggregation, and consequent clotting. Alternatively, endothelium damage exposes subendothelial collagen layer, leading to rapid adhesion and aggregation of platelets and clotting. In a pilot clinical trial, a prevalence of tumor response was observed in patients receiving ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction along with transarterial radioembolization. Two ongoing clinical trials are assessing the effectiveness of ultrasound-stimulated microbubble treatment to enhance radiation effects in cancer patients. Clinical translation of antivascular ultrasound/microbubble approach may thus be forthcoming.

Automated summary

Ultrasound-triggered microbubbles destruction can lead to vascular shutdown and has shown potential in preclinical studies for tumor growth delay, lesion formation, radio-sensitization, and modulation of the immune micro-environment. Antivascular ultrasound has the potential to be a focal, targeted, non-invasive, mechanical, and non-thermal treatment either alone or in combination with other therapies. The main mechanism behind these effects is believed to be cavitation, with both non-inertial and inertial cavitation playing significant roles.