Bubbles boost in cancer fight

The approach, being devised by experts from Leeds University, involves delivering cancer drugs directly to tumours in tiny gas-filled bubbles which will be burst using specific ultrasound signals.

Microbubbles, just a 1,000th of a millimetre across, are already used in medicine to provide clearer images on ultrasound scanners because when they are injected into the bloodstream they reflect stronger signals than the surrounding tissue.

As some ultrasound signals also burst the bubbles and it is this that researchers plan to exploit.

Existing chemotherapy drugs will be used to prove the concept. Then, the approach could be adapted for new therapies being developed at the university to treat colorectal cancer.

Scientists will attach drugs to microbubbles, along with antibodies that are attracted to tumours so the bubbles congregate at the tumours. Set frequency ultrasound will then be applied and when the bubbles burst, drug doses will be released.

Another benefit is that ultrasound can also temporarily rupture cell membranes, helping to get drugs to where they can be most effective.