Explosive gene therapy
An international research team led by Dr. Tali Ilovich from the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Tel Aviv University has developed a non-invasive technology platform to modernize the delivery of genes to breast cancer cells. The technique involves injecting gas-filled microbubbles into the tumor, which are embedded in cancer cells and burst when exposed to ultrasound, creating holes in cell membranes and providing a pathway for efficient gene delivery.
Low-frequency ultrasound (250 kHz) is used to detonate microbubbles. Isolated use of microbubbles and ultrasound in vivo led to the destruction of up to 80% of cancer cells. This result is very impressive, but in order to completely defeat the tumor, it is necessary to destroy all cancer cells, because due to the remaining 20%, cancer may relapse or metastasis.
To prevent this, the researchers used plasmids containing a gene that encodes the synthesis of the cytokine interferon-beta (IFN-β). The membrane pores that formed in the remaining 20% of cancer cells after the explosion of microbubbles allowed plasmids to penetrate inside. The production of IFN-β in cancer cells increased 150 times compared to the control and 50 times compared to treatment without the prior action of microbubbles and ultrasound. A sharp increase in cytokine levels activated the immune system to attack, which led to the complete destruction of the tumor.
In addition, the researchers noted in mice a decrease in the tumor on the opposite breast, to which no treatment was applied, that is, after activation, the immune system attacked all the breast cancer cells of the body.
The researchers intend to test this technology as a non-invasive treatment for brain diseases such as tumors and neurodegenerative conditions (Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases). The blood-brain barrier does not allow drugs to enter the brain, but perhaps the microbubbles will be able to temporarily open access for therapeutic agents, which would eliminate the need for invasive surgery.
Article by T.Ilovich et al. Low-frequency ultrasound-mediated cytokine transfer enhances T cell recruitment at local and distant tumor sites published in the journal PNAS.
Aminat Adzhieva, portal "Eternal Youth" http://vechnayamolodost.ru based on the materials of AFTAU: TAU Researchers Destroy Cancer Cells with Ultrasound Treatment.