A study presented at the International Contrast Ultrasound Society annual conference suggests that tiny gas microbubbles may enhance the delivery and absorption of drug treatments in advanced pancreatic cancer patients.
The pilot study included 10 patients with inoperable tumors. "Our early findings suggest that commercially-available ultrasound microbubbles, combined with a standard chemotherapy drug, may prolong survival in pancreatic cancer patients," said Odd Helge Gilja, MD, PhD, head of the National Centre of Ultrasound in Gastroenterology at Haukeland University in Norway.
The study demonstrates that the gas microbubbles, originally intended for use in diagnostic imaging, may now have use as therapeutic drug delivery.
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The pilot study included 10 patients with inoperable tumors. "Our early findings suggest that commercially-available ultrasound microbubbles, combined with a standard chemotherapy drug, may prolong survival in pancreatic cancer patients," said Odd Helge Gilja, MD, PhD, head of the National Centre of Ultrasound in Gastroenterology at Haukeland University in Norway.
The study demonstrates that the gas microbubbles, originally intended for use in diagnostic imaging, may now have use as therapeutic drug delivery.
More articles on gastroenterology:
FDA grants tentative approval of UCERIS for ulcerative colitis
Antidepressants may increase GI bleeding risk
Colorectal surgery da Vinci Surgical System training program participation increases 877%