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Ultrasound used as chemotherapy sensitizer
(Science Letter Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge)
Ultrasound could be used as a chemotherapy sensitizer.
According to recent research from the People's Republic of China, "Chemotherapy plays a very important role in cancer treatment. However, there are still some barriers in the successful use of such therapies, mainly because of the adverse side effects of the anticancer agents and due to the development of chemoresistance."
"This paper focuses on the use of ultrasound to enhance chemotherapy and to overcome drug resistance. The action of many anticancer agents can be improved with the use of ultrasonic exposure either in vitro or in vivo. Drug resistance can be circumvented using ultrasound alone. Furthermore, the reversal attributable to chemoresistance modifiers, such as verapamil and PSC 833, is augmented by ultrasound. Ultrasound-mediated chemosensitization is usually achieved via increasing intracellular drug accumulation, although other mechanisms are also involved," explained T.H. Yu and colleagues, Chongqing Medical University.
The researchers concluded, "Ultrasound also can play a role in targeted chemotherapy, releasing anticancer chemicals directly and efficiently into the lesions. However, this promising modality has not been clinically adopted so far and the reasons are discussed."
Yu and colleagues published their study in Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment (Ultrasound: A chemotherapy sensitizer. Technol Cancer Res Treat, 2006;5(1):51-60).
For additional information, contact T.H. Yu, Chongqing Medical University, Institute Ultrasound Engineering Med, Chongqing 400016, People's Republic of China.
Publisher contact information for the journal Technology in Cancer Research & Treatment is: Adenine Press, 2066 Central Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12304, USA.
Keywords: Chongqing, People's Republic of China, Adverse Drug Effect, Adverse Drug Event, Adverse Drug Reaction, Anticancer Therapy, Cancer, Chemoresistance, Chemotherapy, Diagnosis, Diagnostics, Drug Resistance, Oncology, Side Effect, Targeted Therapy, Ultrasonic Therapy.
This article was prepared by Science Letter editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Science Letter via NewsRx.com.
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