The Evolution and Recent Trends in Acoustic Targeting of Encapsulated Drugs to Solid Tumors: Strategies beyond Sonoporation

Abstract

Despite recent advancements in ultrasound-mediated drug delivery and the remarkable success observed in pre-clinical studies, no delivery platform utilizing ultrasound contrast agents has yet received FDA approval. The sonoporation effect was a game-changing discovery with a promising future in clinical settings. Various clinical trials are underway to assess sonoporation’s efficacy in treating solid tumors; however, there are disagreements on its applicability to the broader population due to long-term safety issues. In this review, we first discuss how acoustic targeting of drugs gained importance in cancer pharmaceutics. Then, we discuss ultrasound-targeting strategies that have been less explored yet hold a promising future. We aim to shed light on recent innovations in ultrasound-based drug delivery including newer designs of ultrasound-sensitive particles specifically tailored for pharmaceutical usage.

Cavitation-Enhanced Drug Delivery and Immunotherapy

“…Chapla et al [ 10 ] reviewed design strategies for microbubble-nanoparticle complexes, highlighting the wide variety of available constructs, while noting the need for near term large animal safety and efficacy studies on the path to clinical evaluation. Honari and Sirsi [ 11 ] also discuss ultrasound-sensitive particles, with notably clear descriptions of mechanisms by which mechanical and biological barriers to drug delivery may be overcome. The collection concludes with a review by Maardalen et al [ 12 ] highlighting the potential role of cavitation in modulating anti-tumor immunity and identifying critical areas for further study such as the immunological effects resulting from cavitation activity ranging from gentle oscillation to violent collapse.…”

“…Honari and Sirsi [11] also discuss ultrasound-sensitive particles, with notably clear descriptions of mechanisms by which mechanical and biological barriers to drug delivery may be overcome. The collection concludes with a review by Maardalen et al [12] highlighting the potential role of cavitation in modulating anti-tumor immunity and identifying critical areas for further study such as the immunological effects resulting from cavitation activity ranging from gentle oscillation to violent collapse.…”