Sonodynamic therapy
Sonodynamic therapy (pronunciation: soh-noh-dy-nam-ik ther-uh-pee) is a form of treatment that combines low-intensity ultrasound with sonosensitizing compounds to target and destroy cancer cells.
Etymology
The term "sonodynamic therapy" is derived from the words "sono," which is Latin for sound, and "dynamic," which is Greek for power. The therapy is so named because it uses the power of sound waves to activate certain compounds and induce therapeutic effects.
Procedure
In sonodynamic therapy, a sonosensitizing drug is first administered to the patient. This drug has the ability to accumulate in cancer cells. The treatment area is then exposed to low-intensity ultrasound. The ultrasound waves activate the sonosensitizing drug, causing it to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS can cause damage to the cancer cells, leading to their destruction.
Related Terms
- Ultrasound: A type of imaging technology that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body.
- Sonosensitizing compounds: Drugs that are activated by ultrasound waves and can cause damage to cancer cells.
- Reactive oxygen species (ROS): Chemically reactive molecules containing oxygen. In sonodynamic therapy, ROS are produced by the sonosensitizing drug and cause damage to cancer cells.
Advantages
Sonodynamic therapy has several advantages over traditional cancer treatments. It is non-invasive and can target cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It also has fewer side effects than chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Disadvantages
Despite its advantages, sonodynamic therapy also has some limitations. The effectiveness of the treatment can be influenced by the type and location of the cancer. Additionally, the optimal dosage and timing of the sonosensitizing drug are still being researched.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Sonodynamic therapy
- Wikipedia's article - Sonodynamic therapy
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