Indian researchers design new way to select and kill oral cancer cells
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science have discovered that ultrasound can selectively destroy oral cancer cells by exploiting their mechanical weakness. This non-invasive approach could lead to safer treatment strategies for patients in India.
A novel study has revealed that oral cancer cells can be selectively killed by ultrasound mechanical stimulation without harming healthy cells.
This breakthrough offers a potential non-invasive treatment pathway for oral cancer, which remains a significant health burden in India.
CAN ULTRASOUND SELECTIVELY KILL CANCER CELLS?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with clinicians at MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, investigated the impact of low-frequency ultrasound on oral tumour samples derived from patients.
The team discovered that oral cancer cells are uniquely vulnerable to moderate mechanical stimulation. This sensitivity stems from reduced levels of Tropomyosin 2.1, a protein that normally helps cells sense and withstand mechanical forces. When exposed to ultrasound, these cancer cells undergo selective cell death, while healthy oral epithelial cells, or the cells that line the mouth, remain unharmed.
DOES ULTRASOUND PREVENT TUMOUR GROWTH?
Beyond triggering cell death, ultrasound also drastically reduces the ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade nearby tissues. Using a 3D co-culture platform that replicates the complex oral tumour microenvironment, the researchers observed that ultrasound disrupts the dense, barrier-like structure formed by cells surrounding the tumour core.
In many cases, these barriers prevent chemotherapy drugs and the body's immune cells from reaching the heart of the tumour, which often leads to treatment failure. By breaking down these defences, ultrasound could make tumours more susceptible to other medical interventions.
IS THIS A VIABLE CLINICAL TREATMENT?
The findings are particularly promising because ultrasound is already a non-invasive, medically approved technology.
According to Ajay Tijore, Assistant Professor at the Department of Bioengineering, IISc, this approach exploits the mechanical weakness of cancer cells rather than relying solely on heat or drugs.
Because the study utilised patient-derived samples rather than standard lab cell lines, the results may better reflect the variations found among Indian patients.
The team aims to validate these findings in advanced preclinical models and explore combining ultrasound with existing treatments to enhance drug delivery and patient outcomes.
A novel study has revealed that oral cancer cells can be selectively killed by ultrasound mechanical stimulation without harming healthy cells.
This breakthrough offers a potential non-invasive treatment pathway for oral cancer, which remains a significant health burden in India.
CAN ULTRASOUND SELECTIVELY KILL CANCER CELLS?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), in collaboration with clinicians at MS Ramaiah Medical College and Hospitals, investigated the impact of low-frequency ultrasound on oral tumour samples derived from patients.
The team discovered that oral cancer cells are uniquely vulnerable to moderate mechanical stimulation. This sensitivity stems from reduced levels of Tropomyosin 2.1, a protein that normally helps cells sense and withstand mechanical forces. When exposed to ultrasound, these cancer cells undergo selective cell death, while healthy oral epithelial cells, or the cells that line the mouth, remain unharmed.
DOES ULTRASOUND PREVENT TUMOUR GROWTH?
Beyond triggering cell death, ultrasound also drastically reduces the ability of cancer cells to migrate and invade nearby tissues. Using a 3D co-culture platform that replicates the complex oral tumour microenvironment, the researchers observed that ultrasound disrupts the dense, barrier-like structure formed by cells surrounding the tumour core.
In many cases, these barriers prevent chemotherapy drugs and the body's immune cells from reaching the heart of the tumour, which often leads to treatment failure. By breaking down these defences, ultrasound could make tumours more susceptible to other medical interventions.
IS THIS A VIABLE CLINICAL TREATMENT?
The findings are particularly promising because ultrasound is already a non-invasive, medically approved technology.
According to Ajay Tijore, Assistant Professor at the Department of Bioengineering, IISc, this approach exploits the mechanical weakness of cancer cells rather than relying solely on heat or drugs.
Because the study utilised patient-derived samples rather than standard lab cell lines, the results may better reflect the variations found among Indian patients.
The team aims to validate these findings in advanced preclinical models and explore combining ultrasound with existing treatments to enhance drug delivery and patient outcomes.
