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Ultrasound Zaps Oral Cancer Cells
2 Jul
Summary
- Low-frequency ultrasound selectively destroys oral cancer cells.
- Cancer cells are vulnerable due to reduced protein Tropomyosin 2.1.
- Ultrasound disrupts tumor barriers, hindering cell migration.
Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have pioneered a novel approach using low-frequency ultrasound to target oral cancer cells. This method selectively destroys cancerous cells, leaving healthy oral epithelial cells largely unharmed. The research highlights that oral cancer cells possess a mechanical vulnerability due to lower levels of the protein Tropomyosin 2.1, which normally helps cells withstand mechanical stress.
This ultrasound mechanostimulation exploits this weakness, causing irreversible damage to cancer cells without relying on heat or drugs. Furthermore, the study observed that ultrasound significantly impedes the migration and invasion capabilities of cancer cells. By disrupting the dense protective barriers surrounding tumors, the treatment may improve the efficacy of other therapies.
The consistent response across various patient-derived cancer cells, regardless of stage, is a key finding. Given that ultrasound is a widely used, non-invasive medical technology, these findings hold potential for developing safer and more targeted oral cancer treatments. Further preclinical studies are planned to explore its combination with existing therapies for enhanced outcomes.
