In vitro investigation of the effects of high-intensity therapeutic ultrasound (HITU) in glial tumor cell culture.

Abstract

Amidst the evident challenges posed by brain tumors and the evident limitations of conventional treatment methodologies like surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, our primary objective was to probe the therapeutic potential of high-intensity therapeutic ultrasound (HITU). The aim was to introduce a safer, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to existing treatments, especially beneficial for inaccessible brain tumor sites and resource-constrained medical facilities. Leveraging post-1990s MR technology advancements, we employed the non-invasive HITU technique, akin to high-intensity focused ultrasound. This method directs acoustic energy to tissues, primarily inducing coagulation necrosis by absorbing energy and elevating tissue temperatures. Glial tumor cells were subjected to HITU to assess its effects. Upon applying HITU to glial tumor cells, significant alterations in cellular structural integrity were evident. The main action of HITU was the absorption of acoustic energy, leading to a notable temperature rise and coagulation necrosis. Flow cytometry indicated significant cellular changes post-HITU. ANOVA and t-test analyses showed a significant relationship between HITU application and time (p<0.05). The Shapiro-Wilk test revealed non-normal data distribution (p<0.05), leading to the use of nonparametric methods. The t-test results after HITU displayed significant differences (p<0.05) in cell counts and fluorescence intensity between control and treated groups. This result was consistent across multiple tests, indicating the reliability of the method in causing cellular damage to the tumor cells. Our laboratory analyses offer compelling evidence that HITU is not merely feasible but is also a promising non-invasive approach in the treatment paradigm of brain tumors. Standing distinctively apart from radiotherapy, HITU averts early, or late complications commonly associated with the former. While the path ahead mandates comprehensive research to ascertain its clinical utility, preliminary indications firmly posit HITU as a groundbreaking prospect in the management of brain tumors.