Chinese researchers use microbubbles to shrink aggressive liver tumours: paper
Chinese researchers have found a safe way to shrink advanced tumours from an aggressive form of liver cancer, an advance that could see microbubbles used to enhance current treatments. The tiny gas-filled bubbles, typically a few micrometres in diameter, were originally designed as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging, but scientists have recently been exploring their therapeutic potential.…
Chinese researchers have discovered a novel approach using microbubbles to shrink advanced liver cancer tumors, potentially enhancing current treatments. These tiny gas-filled bubbles, originally designed for ultrasound imaging contrast, have shown promise in therapeutic applications. In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers from Guangdong Medical University and Huzhou Central Hospital compared patients who received standard therapy with others who received the experimental ultrasound and microbubble treatment.
The study found that the latter group experienced significantly smaller tumor diameters, indicating a potential enhancement in localized treatment approaches. Microbubbles, when exposed to ultrasound waves, can change size, improve blood flow, and facilitate drug delivery, making them a promising complement to tumour immunotherapy.
While the study showed no significant difference in overall response rate between treatment and control groups, it highlighted the potential of microbubble treatment to reduce tumour hypoxia and acidity, factors that drive aggressive tumor growth and resistance. The researchers noted that further trials are needed to establish standardized protocols for the treatment.
Written by urgent.news from Reuters Business via SCMP's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
