TU‐E‐144‐01: Advanced Novel Technologies & Therapeutic Strategies

A variety of novel techniques and treatment strategies have been developed and tested through preclinical trials for the clinical application of therapeutic ultrasound in recent years. This session features five invited presentations on the following topics: (1) ultrasound mediated drug delivery — the use of long circulation liposomes with ultrasound used to alter apparent vascular permeability and the use of temperature sensitive liposomes with ultrasound applied to release the drug, (2) high‐frequency ultrasound mapping of tumor vascular hypoxia as a targeting modality for focused ultrasound ablation to complement ionizing radiotherapy, (3) therapeutic ultrasound as an autologous in situ tumor vaccine — tumor‐specific cytotoxic immune response generated in mice receiving combined low energy focused ultrasound and high‐intensity focused ultrasound treatments, (4) sonothrombolysis and ultrasound‐mediated drug delivery for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, and (5) implantable ultrasound device for repeated opening of the blood brain barrier — a promising technology for drug delivery into the brain. Learning Objectives: 1. To review the recent advances in therapeutic ultrasound techniques and their potential for clinical applications; 2. To understand the physical characteristics and biological effects of these novel therapeutic technologies; 3. To identify opportunities for medical physicists in development and assessment of practical treatment strategies utilizing these technologies.