Proliferation of human tumour cells after high-energy pulsed ultrasound (HEPUS) treatment

Abstract

Summary. The potential anti-proliferative effect of high-energy pulsed ultrasound (HEPUS) treatment on human pancreatic (PANC-1), hepatic (SK-HEP-1) and renal (CAKI-1) tumour cells was investigated in vitro. Sonication was carried out using an experimental piezoelectric burst-signal transducer, producing bipolar oscillations with a high negative pressure amplitude. In all three cell lines tested, HEPUS-application resulted in a significant reduction (P<0.05) of vital cells. After 100 pulses 35%, 20% and 41% viable pancreatic, hepatic and renal tumour cells were detected by means of the Trypan Blue Dye exclusion test, whereas after 1000 pulses only 1.3%, 1% and 0.5% were found. A post-exposure growth delay of surviving cells, compared to control cells and cells treated with 100 pulses, was only seen in case of the CAKI-1 cell line exposed to 1000 pulses.

Key Words:

• tumour therapy
• therapeutic ultrasound
• high-energy shock waves HEPUS