Overview
- The study, reported July 2–3 by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science and MS Ramaiah Medical College, tested moderate low-frequency ultrasound on patient-derived oral tumour samples and 3D co-culture models.
- Ultrasound exposure produced selective cancer-cell death while largely sparing healthy oral epithelial cells under the conditions tested.
- The team linked the sensitivity to reduced levels of Tropomyosin 2.1, a mechanosensory protein that normally helps cells sense and withstand mechanical stress.
- In 3D models ultrasound also reduced cancer cell migration and invasion and disrupted the dense, capsule-like barrier formed by tumour-associated cells that can block drugs and immune cells.
- Researchers plan further work in advanced preclinical models and to study combinations with existing therapies before any animal or human trials, leaving the approach at an early translational stage.