Targeted Sonodynamic Therapy Shows Promise in Treating Melanoma

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Iran have explored the potential of targeted sonodynamic therapy in treating melanoma, one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. The study focused on the use of cerium oxide-bismuth oxide (CeBi) and folic acid-functionalized cerium oxide-bismuth oxide (FCeBi) nanohybrids, particularly in combination with ultrasound radiation, to enhance cell toxicity and apoptosis in both 2D and 3D models. The results showed significant reduction in melanoma cell viability and increased ROS production and apoptosis rates when treated with FCeBi and ultrasound radiation.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study demonstrated the efficacy of targeted sonodynamic therapy in treating melanoma cells, with an average survival rate of 14.9% when treated with FCeBi and ultrasound radiation.
  • The combination of FCeBi and ultrasound radiation achieved 8% greater cancer cell eradication than combined CeBi and ultrasound radiation, and 55.7% greater than FCeBi alone without ultrasound radiation.
  • The synergistic effects of folate receptor-mediated uptake, ultrasound-induced sonodynamic and sonoporation, and oxidative stress highlight FCeBi nanohybrids as a promising candidate for ultrasound-assisted cancer therapy.
  • The research concluded that FCeBi nanohybrids, particularly in combination with ultrasound, demonstrated enhanced cytotoxic, apoptotic and anti-migratory effects against melanoma cells.
  • The study was conducted by researchers from the Nanomedicine and Nanobiology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, including Niloofar Zahraie, Mina Sarani, Hanieh Haghighi, Hossein Heli, Majid Darroudi, Amid Rahi, Arash Safari, Tahereh Mahmoudi, Khadijeh Hamidian, and Naghmeh Sattarahmady.

Statistics:

  • 14.9% average survival rate when treated with FCeBi and ultrasound radiation.
  • 8% greater cancer cell eradication than combined CeBi and ultrasound radiation.
  • 55.7% greater than FCeBi alone without ultrasound radiation.
  • Significant increase in ROS production and apoptosis rates when treated with FCeBi and ultrasound radiation.
  • 91.4% apoptotic cells in the FCeB/U+ group.

Sources:

  • In Vitro Investigation of Targeted Sonodynamic Therapy of Melanoma Cancer Cells Utilizing a Green-Synthesized Folic Acid@CeO2-Bi2O3 Nanohybrid. Ultrasound In Medicine and Biology, 2025.
  • Ultrasound In Medicine and Biology. Elsevier Science Inc, Ste 800, 230 Park Ave, New York, NY 10169, USA.