Detection, characterization, and spatial mapping of nucleated cavitation for drug delivery: From in-vitro-, through in-vivo to the clinic

Cavitation-nucleation agents that stabilize gas bubbles, be they micro or nano in scale, allow for consistent and reliable induction of cavitation compared to endogenous nuclei. When these agents are used in conjunction with an ultrasound system that can perform simultaneous image-guidance to target tumors, focused ultrasound delivery to cause cavitation, and imaging of cavitation emissions as a treatment monitor, a complete drug delivery system is possible that can enhance the penetration and distribution of oncology agents into solid tumors. Development of novel, clinical cavitation agents requires, from their early prototyping through to their ultimate product release, that the detection and characterization of their cavitation performance is considered. Additionally, the methods and equipment used to detect and image cavitation both in preclinical and clinical drug delivery systems must be similarly assessed to ensure that the cavitation “dose” estimated from the agents is understood in precision to ensure reliable drug delivery. To achieve these objectives, OxSonics continues to develop, alongside its new bubble formulations, a cavitation metrology program that investigates cavitation performance and quantification, cavitation test articles and protocols, validation of these methods, and equipment calibration and qualification. This talk explores all the aspects of this from the prototyping stage to clinical deployment.