Ultrasonic therapy for gynecologic tumors

J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2008 Nov-Dec;15(6):667-72. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2008.07.018. Epub 2008 Sep 6.

Abstract

Clinical and potential applications of ultrasonic therapy for gynecologic tumors are overviewed in this minireview. As a noninvasive technique, extracorporeal high-intensity focused ultrasound was clinically used to treat uterine myomas. High-intensity focused ultrasound treats leiomyomas via shrinkage of tumor size, reduction of blood supply, and suppression of cell proliferation, resulting in a relief of symptoms and improvement of quality of life. Preclinical trials have confirmed that ultrasound enhanced a cytotoxic agent against cancers of ovary and cervix; insonation overcomes doxorubicin (adriamycin) and cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancers, suggesting a modality for refractory lesions; ultrasonic hyperthermia induces high temperature increase in deeper cancer tissues thus being a potential modality for treatment of cervical cancers. Transvaginal ultrasonic therapy can be applied for a lesion near the cervix. In summary, ultrasonic therapy is a promising treatment modality for gynecologic tumors, and might change clinical practices.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Intravaginal
  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Female
  • Genital Neoplasms, Female / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Leiomyosarcoma / therapy
  • Mice
  • Mice, Nude
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / therapy
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / adverse effects
  • Ultrasonic Therapy / methods*