Korean researchers develop mathematical model for tumor removal by high-intensity ultrasound
- 5 years ago
Korean researchers have discovered the mechanisms behind how high-intensity ultrasound can selectively remove tumors and cancerous tissue.
The study is expected to pave the way for new technologies for cancer surgery.
Park Se-young has more.
Focused ultrasound is often used to treat uterine fibroids by burning tumor tissues.
It provides an alternative to surgical interventions and has fewer side effects, …but the method has so far been limited to uterine fibroid and essential tremor treatment.
"The existing technology generates heat and strict temperature control is very difficult. The heat diffusion phenomenon also makes it hard to accurately control the treatment area."
To address these limitations, Korean researchers have found for the first time how a boiling histotripsy works to get rid of tumor tissues.
High-intensity ultrasound energy can raise the temperature of the target area to boiling point in as little as a millisecond, …and the kinetic energy of the vapor bubbles at the focal point can be used to remove the desired cell tissue.
The researchers also developed a mathematical model that predicts the vibration and collapse of bubbles …and used the model to find out the mechanism of soft tissue removal.
"We found that the energy intensity generated by water bubbles was strong enough to kill soft tissue, but weak enough to keep blood vessels and connective tissue intact."
Using the mathematical model, the researchers are looking to find the optimal conditions for removing tumors and particular cells without surgery.
Park Se-young, Arirang News.
The study is expected to pave the way for new technologies for cancer surgery.
Park Se-young has more.
Focused ultrasound is often used to treat uterine fibroids by burning tumor tissues.
It provides an alternative to surgical interventions and has fewer side effects, …but the method has so far been limited to uterine fibroid and essential tremor treatment.
"The existing technology generates heat and strict temperature control is very difficult. The heat diffusion phenomenon also makes it hard to accurately control the treatment area."
To address these limitations, Korean researchers have found for the first time how a boiling histotripsy works to get rid of tumor tissues.
High-intensity ultrasound energy can raise the temperature of the target area to boiling point in as little as a millisecond, …and the kinetic energy of the vapor bubbles at the focal point can be used to remove the desired cell tissue.
The researchers also developed a mathematical model that predicts the vibration and collapse of bubbles …and used the model to find out the mechanism of soft tissue removal.
"We found that the energy intensity generated by water bubbles was strong enough to kill soft tissue, but weak enough to keep blood vessels and connective tissue intact."
Using the mathematical model, the researchers are looking to find the optimal conditions for removing tumors and particular cells without surgery.
Park Se-young, Arirang News.