20 Aug Advances and innovations in ultrasound-based tumor management: current applications and emerging directions
Advances and innovations in ultrasound-based tumor management: current applications and emerging directions
20 August 2025
Li Rui, Qi Min, Meng Xin, Chen Yujun, Gu Yihong, Yan Ruilong, Wang Bo & Yu Tengfei
Abstract
As a crucial medical imaging modality, ultrasonography has emerged as a pivotal tool for tumor diagnosis and treatment owing to its non-invasive nature, real-time imaging capability, and superior resolution.
Recent technological advancements have demonstrated unique advantages in early tumor screening, staging, and localization. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), utilizing microbubbles (MBs) and nanobubbles (NBs) to target vascular biomarkers, significantly enhances tumor visualization and demonstrates high sensitivity in molecular imaging.
Multimodal ultrasound (MU), incorporating techniques such as elastography and automated breast volume scanning (ABVS), achieves improved diagnostic accuracy when combined with MRI/CT. The applications of ultrasound in localized and systemic tumor therapy have expanded considerably. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) enables thermal ablation of solid tumors, while low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) facilitates sonodynamic therapy (SDT) through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation mediated by sonosensitizers.
Ultrasound-assisted drug delivery systems (US-DDS) leverage MB/NB cavitation effects to enhance chemotherapeutic agent delivery efficiency, overcome biological barriers, including the blood-brain barrier, and modulate immune responses. These technological breakthroughs have provided novel therapeutic options for cancer patients, garnering significant clinical interest.
This review systematically examines current applications of ultrasound imaging and therapy in oncology, evaluates its potential clinical value, analyzes existing technical limitations, and discusses future development prospects.
The article aims to provide innovative perspectives for tumor diagnosis and treatment while offering references for clinical practice.
Introduction
Globally, tumors represent a major public health concern due to their rising incidence and high mortality rates. Recent epidemiological data indicate that tumors have become the second leading cause of death worldwide, significantly affecting patients’ quality of life and imposing considerable social and economic burdens on healthcare systems.
Consequently, there is a critical need for effective strategies in early screening, accurate diagnosis, and advanced therapeutic approaches to improve patient prognosis and survival rates [1, 2]. In recent years, advancements in ultrasound (US) technology have significantly expanded its role in tumor management, ranging from diagnostic imaging to complex interventional procedures.
US offers real-time, non-invasive imaging with high sensitivity and specificity, making it a widely adopted tool in clinical practice. It enables precise localization of tumors during biopsies and interventional treatments. Moreover, the therapeutic use of US has steadily increased, including US-guided tumor localization, ablation, and the targeted delivery of chemotherapeutic agents, thereby providing innovative treatment options for cancer patients.
This article aims to provide a reference for current clinical applications and explore future advancements in US technology to enhance its value in tumor diagnosis and treatment
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.