Abstract #0226

MRI-Guided Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Drug Delivery to Pancreatic Cancer: Safety and Efficacy

Natalya Rapoport¹, Allison H. Payne², Christopher Dillon¹, Jill E. Shea³

¹Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; ²Radiology Research, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States; ³Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States

In a preclinical animal model, tumor irradiation with focal ultrasound under the MRI guidance (MRgFUS) was applied for efficient drug delivery to pancreatic cancer using systemically injected perfluorocarbon nanodroplet-encapsulated drug (paclitaxel). MR thermometry was used to control ultrasound treatment. Focal ultrasound irradiation of the tumor triggered droplet-to-bubble transition in perfluorocarbon nanodroplets, which resulted in the local drug release into tumor tissue. Substantial regression and sometimes complete resolution of pancreatic tumors was observed. However sometimes ultrasound treatment-related complications were manifested. Pre-treatment MR images allowed revealing their cause. Efficacy and safety of the suggested treatment modality will be discussed.