Emerging Applications of Ultrasound-Contrast Agents in Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy (RT) causes DNA damage through ionization, leading to double-strand breaks. In addition, it generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are toxic to tumor cells and the vasculature. However, hypoxic regions in the tumor have been shown to not only decrease treatment response but also increase the likelihood of recurrence and metastasis. Ultrasound-sensitive micro-bubbles are emerging as a useful diagnostic and therapeutic tool within RT. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has shown great promise in early prediction of tumor response to RT.

Source: Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology - February 27, 2021 Category: Radiology Authors: Quezia Lacerda, Mohamed Tantawi, Dennis B. Leeper, Margaret A. Wheatley, John R. Eisenbrey Tags: Original Contribution Source Type: research