Newswise — Cancer immunotherapies are agents that harness the power of the immune system to fight cancer. Unlike traditional cancer treatments that directly kill tumor cells (such as chemotherapy and radiation), immunotherapy operates through the intermediary of the immune system. Immunotherapies empower the immune system to specifically seek out and destroy cancer cells. Because of the immune system’s extraordinary power to selectively target cancer antigens and adapt to a changing landscape of antigens, this approach has the potential to greatly improve cancer treatment, providing durable, long-term responses in many cases. Focused ultrasound may also have an impact on this burgeoning field.
"Cancer immunotherapy... continues to surge as clinical researchers amass evidence that the immune system can be a powerful ally against tumors. One big focus now is mixing and matching treatments: combining two novel immunotherapies."–Science Magazine, Areas to Watch 2015
FUS Induces an Immune ResponseMany preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that FUS can elicit an immune response. One type of immune response to FUS is the stimulation of tumor cells to release antigens and danger signals that alert the body to use its natural ability to fight the cancer. Since 1992, studies have shown that FUS alone produces immunological effects. Its role in cancer immunotherapy began with preclinical studies that verified its ability to elicit a measurable immune response, to enhance overall survival, and to prevent tumor regrowth. A list of these studies and their immunological effects is available on our website. Learn More >
Low and High Intensity FUSChandan Guha at Montefiore Medical Center has been using low intensity FUS (LOFU) prior to high intensity FUS thermal ablation to give the tumors a “sonic shock,” boosting the immune response. Read about his results >
FUS in Combination with Other TherapiesSome studies are already showing that FUS may also improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation. Another idea is to combine FUS with immunotherapy drugs.
For more information on focused ultrasound and cancer immunotherapy, read our Focus Feature on the topic.
About Focused UltrasoundFocused ultrasound is a revolutionary, early-stage therapeutic technology with the potential to transform the treatment of many serious medical disorders. This breakthrough technology uses ultrasonic energy guided by magnetic resonance or ultrasound imaging to treat tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation. Multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound are directed and concentrated on a target as small as a grain of rice, much like a magnifying glass can focus multiple beams of light on a single point.
Focused ultrasound is currently approved in the U.S. to treat uterine fibroids and bone metastases, and there are a growing number of clinical applications in various stages of research and development around the world, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, neuropathic pain, breast and prostate cancer, and brain tumors.
About the Focused Ultrasound FoundationThe Focused Ultrasound Foundation was created to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide by accelerating the development and adoption of focused ultrasound therapies. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation is the leading non-governmental funding source for focused ultrasound research in the world. For more information visit www.fusfoundation.org
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