FACTS:
Previous ultrasound methods used high-intensity bursts to kill tumors, but this indiscriminately destroyed both cancerous and healthy cells in the process. Researchers from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) and the City of Hope Beckman Research Institute have developed a new ultrasound method, low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS), which target only the cancer cells. By setting the frequency to only attack cells based on the their unique physical and structural properties, LIPUS provides a safer and more selective option.
QUOTES:
David Mittelstein, lead author on the paper:
“This project shows that ultrasound can be used to target cancer cells based on their mechanical properties,” … “This is an exciting proof of concept for a new kind of cancer therapy that doesn’t require the cancer to have unique molecular markers or to be located separately from healthy cells to be targeted.” … “Just by tuning the frequency of stimulation, we saw a dramatic difference in how cancer and healthy cells responded”
SOURCES:
To read the entire published scientific journal article, click here.
