A Comparative Study of Sononeoperfusion Effects Induced by Diagnostic and Therapeutic Ultrasound-Stimulated Microbubbles.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The sononeoperfusion effect involves the use of ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles (USMB) to enhance tumor perfusion, which may alleviate hypoxic conditions within solid tumors. This study aimed to compare this effect induced by diagnostic ultrasound (DUS) and low-intensity therapeutic ultrasound (TUS) with similar parameters. METHODS: Sixteen rabbits were included in the study and transplanted with VX2 tumors. They were randomized into 2 groups and received crossover USMB treatments of DUS and TUS under similar parameters, with an additional sham ultrasound as a control. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound was performed to calculate the peak intensity (PI), area under the curve (AUC), and perfusion area rate. The increase ratios of PI, AUC, and perfusion area rate were analyzed to compare the sononeoperfusion effects induced by DUS and TUS. Additionally, subjective visual assessments were carried out by 2 independent observers. RESULTS: PI, AUC, and perfusion area rate significantly increased after DUS and TUS treatments. There were no significant differences in increase ratios of PI, AUC, and perfusion area rate between DUS and TUS. Additionally, both observers agreed that there were no significant differences in visual assessments. CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences in sononeoperfusion effects induced by DUS and low-intensity TUS with similar parameters.