The Design of Multifunctional Microbubbles for Ultrasound Image-Guided Cancer Therapy

Title: The Design of Multifunctional Microbubbles for Ultrasound Image-Guided Cancer Therapy

Volume: 10 Issue: 12

Author(s): Francesca Cavalieri, Meifang Zhou and Muthupandian Ashokkumar

Affiliation:

Keywords: Microbubbles, ultrasound, drug delivery, gene delivery, cancer therapy

Abstract: Gas-filled microbubbles are widely used in diagnostic imaging. Recent developments have greatly enhanced the potential use of microbubbles for both diagnostic and therapeutic applications. For the potential use of microbubbles in therapeutic applications, the chemical nature of the shell and its mechanical properties are crucial, and require a tailored synthetic approach. This review describes methods of preparation, mechanism of action, in vitro and in vivo stability and structural/functional characterization of microbubbles. New mechanisms for ultrasound-enhanced local drug and gene delivery are reviewed. Different strategies used to target microbubbles to regions of disease and some of the recent experiences in ultrasound image-guided therapy are also discussed.

Cite this article as:

Cavalieri Francesca, Zhou Meifang and Ashokkumar Muthupandian, The Design of Multifunctional Microbubbles for Ultrasound Image-Guided Cancer Therapy, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry 2010; 10 (12) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/156802610791384180