Natalya Rapoport1,
Allison H. Payne2, Christopher Dillon1, Jill E. Shea3
1Bioengineering,
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; 2Radiology
Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; 3Surgery,
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
In a preclinical animal model, tumor irradiation with focal ultrasound under the MRI guidance (MRgFUS) was applied for efficient drug delivery to pancreatic cancer using systemically injected perfluorocarbon nanodroplet-encapsulated drug (paclitaxel). MR thermometry was used to control ultrasound treatment. Focal ultrasound irradiation of the tumor triggered droplet-to-bubble transition in perfluorocarbon nanodroplets, which resulted in the local drug release into tumor tissue. Substantial regression and sometimes complete resolution of pancreatic tumors was observed. However sometimes ultrasound treatment-related complications were manifested. Pre-treatment MR images allowed revealing their cause. Efficacy and safety of the suggested treatment modality will be discussed.