OtherFormulationMixed resultsPreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Journal of thermal biology · Feb 2026
This computational study developed an intelligent framework (unsupervised neural networks optimized by a hybrid GA-SQP scheme) to model radiative magneto-thermal behavior of a tri-hybrid nanofluid (copper oxide, titanium oxide, silicon oxide) suspended in human blood modeled as a Casson fluid. The model found a 14% decline in the thermal profile with higher Prandtl number and a 15% increase in temperature with increased radiation parameter; results were validated against an Adams numerical method and assessed with error and convergence analyses.
Reported effects: change in thermal profile with higher Prandtl number 14% · change in temperature with uplift in radiation parameter 15%
Key findings
- Developed a radiative magneto-thermal model of a tri-hybrid nanofluid (CuO, TiO2, SiO2) in human blood modeled as Casson fluid using an intelligent ANN framework optimized by GA-SQP.
- Observed a 14% decline in the thermal profile for higher values of the Prandtl number.
- Observed a 15% growth in temperature with an uplift in the radiation parameter.
- Results were compared to a reference solution obtained via the Adams numerical method and validated via numerical comparisons, statistical error estimation, and convergence analysis.
Limitations: Computational modeling study only; no in vitro, animal, or human experimental data presented.; Blood properties modeled (Casson fluid) rather than measured from biological samples.; Findings are parameter-dependent model outputs and may rely on assumptions not validated experimentally.; No reported biological or clinical validation of heating effects in tissue or tumors..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
Animal studyFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 2 · animal
Journal of nanobiotechnology · Jul 2025
pancreatic cancer
The authors developed a PLGA/polydopamine nanoparticle carrying manganese porphyrin and the hypoxia-activated prodrug tirapazamine, labeled with 131I for dual MRI/SPECT imaging. In preclinical experiments the platform generated ROS under ultrasound combined with 131I beta emissions, exacerbated tumor hypoxia to activate TPZ, and produced synergistic tumor-cell killing while inhibiting tumor stem cell formation. The nanoparticle showed good biocompatibility, stable radionuclide labeling, and enabled real-time imaging of its metabolism and therapeutic effect.
Studied with: 131I radionuclide therapy, sonodynamic therapy (ultrasound).
Key findings
- MnTTP and tirapazamine (TPZ) were encapsulated in PLGA spheres and coated with polydopamine to allow labeling with 131I, creating a theranostic nanoplatform.
- The nanoplatform demonstrated excellent biocompatibility, stable labeling efficiency, and dual-modal MRI/SPECT imaging capabilities.
- Under ultrasound activation the nanoplatform generated ROS, and in combination with beta-rays emitted by 131I synergistically eradicated tumor cells and exacerbated tumor hypoxia.
- TPZ was activated under hypoxic conditions to produce toxic free radicals, enabling synergistic radionuclide and sonodynamic therapy.
- The combined approach effectively inhibited tumor stem cell formation and enhanced anti-tumor efficacy, with in vivo metabolism and therapeutic effect monitored by MRI/SPECT.
Limitations: Preclinical study reported in the abstract (in vivo models) with no human data.; Abstract does not report species, sample sizes, or quantitative effect sizes.; No details on controls, comparator groups, or statistical significance are provided in the abstract.; Safety, long-term outcomes, and translatability to humans are not addressed in the abstract..
Preclinical study of a theranostic nanoparticle combining radionuclide and sonodynamic approaches with a hypoxia-activated prodrug for pancreatic cancer.
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewFormulationReported positiveLimited evidenceTier 4 · clinical
Small methods · Jul 2025 · review
non-small cell lung cancer
This is a review article summarizing how nanomedicines are being developed to support immunotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer. The authors survey core features and the current clinical status of strategies such as immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-drug conjugates, cell engagers, adoptive cells, and cancer vaccines, and emphasize recent nanomedicine developments that may boost these approaches. The abstract highlights advantages of nanomedicines including tumor targeting, improved bioavailability, reduced systemic toxicity, and potential to overcome immune resistance. No new experimental data or quantitative results are reported in the abstract.
Studied with: immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-drug conjugates, cell engagers, adoptive cells, cancer vaccines.
Key findings
- Nanomedicines may offer advantages including specific targeting of tumor cells, improved drug bioavailability, reduced systemic toxicity, and overcoming of immune resistance.
- The review surveys the core features and current clinical status of NSCLC immunotherapy strategies: immune checkpoint blockade, antibody-drug conjugates, cell engagers, adoptive cells, and cancer vaccines.
- Particular emphasis is placed on recent developments of nanomedicines that boost these immunotherapy strategies.
Limitations: This is a review article; no new experimental or clinical trial data are presented in the abstract.; Abstract provides no quantitative results, sample sizes, doses, or outcome metrics.; Species, specific clinical trial identifiers, and funding sources are not specified in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jun 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewFormulationReported positiveLimited evidenceTier 4 · clinical
European journal of medical research · Jun 2025
tumors (general)brain tumors (drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier)
This review summarizes recent developments in magnetic (superparamagnetic) nanoparticles for biomedical use. It describes their physicochemical properties, surface functionalization, and applications including MRI contrast enhancement, targeted drug delivery (including across the blood-brain barrier), and hyperthermia-based cancer therapies that produce localized heat to kill malignant cells.
Key findings
- Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have high surface-area-to-volume ratio, adjustable size, magnetic sensitivity, and biological compatibility.
- External magnetic fields enable precise control of MNPs for targeted therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
- MNPs have been explored for MRI enhancement, selective drug transport, hyperthermia cancer therapy, and biomolecular separation.
- In oncology MNPs can facilitate direct delivery of therapeutic compounds to tumors, potentially reducing systemic side effects and increasing treatment specificity.
- MNPs can produce localized heat under alternating magnetic fields, which is useful for hyperthermia therapy to selectively eradicate malignant cells.
- Surface functionalization with polymers, ligands, and stabilizers improves stability, minimizes immune responses, and optimizes in vivo performance.
Limitations: Review article with no original experimental data reported in this paper.; Abstract provides no quantitative results, clinical trial data, species, dosing, or sample-size information.; Potential translational gaps between preclinical/technical studies and clinical implementation are not addressed in detail in the abstract.; Broad summary without methodological details or critical appraisal provided in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
OtherFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Scientific reports · May 2025 · experimental bench study using heterogeneous phantoms, the Gustav voxel model, and head tissue‑simulating liquid
The authors developed a metamaterial-integrated applicator operating at 2.45 GHz for focused clinical hyperthermia. They evaluated it using heterogeneous phantoms, a computational voxel model, and head tissue‑simulating liquid and report that the applicator reached 44 °C in tumors with 3 W input power. SAR measurements at 0.1 W showed consistent energy distribution across depths, and simulation and experimental results were strongly aligned. The device was encased in Teflon and tested with a water bolus including a 1 mm PVC layer to protect superficial tissues.
Reported effects: operating frequency 2.45 · tumor temperature at 3 W input 44 · +2 more
Key findings
- Applicator operates at 2.45 GHz and integrates a double spiral antenna (DSA), spiral frequency selective surface (SFSS), and artificial magnetic conductor (AMC).
- The applicator achieves a therapeutic temperature of 44 °C in tumors with just 3 W of input power.
- Specific absorption rate (SAR) measurements at 0.1 W input confirm consistent energy distribution across varying depths.
- Thermal efficiency analyzed with a water bolus including a 1 mm PVC layer to protect superficial tissues and enable uniform heat distribution.
- Impedance matching and resonance at 2.45 GHz ensure effective energy delivery; simulation and experimental results showed strong alignment.
Limitations: Evaluation limited to heterogeneous phantoms, a computational voxel model, and tissue‑simulating liquid — no in vivo or clinical testing reported.; Abstract does not report sample sizes or experimental replication details.; Performance shown at a single operating frequency (2.45 GHz) and specific test conditions, which may limit generalizability to clinical settings..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) · Nov 2024
deep-seated tumorstumors
This is a review of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and engineering of sonosensitizer-derived nanotheranostics to enhance SDT for deep-seated tumors. The authors summarize three approaches — sonosensitizer optimization, strategies to overcome hypoxic tumor microenvironments, and combination therapies (e.g., chemodynamic, photodynamic, photothermal, chemotherapy, starvation, gas, and immunotherapy) — and discuss challenges and feasible design strategies to improve SDT and accelerate clinical translation.
Studied with: chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, starvation therapy, gas therapy, immunotherapy.
Key findings
- SDT has advantages (noninvasive, deeper penetration, low cost, repeatability) but shows low efficiency and unsatisfactory outcomes when used alone due to the complex tumor microenvironment and SDT process.
- Three feasible approaches to enhance SDT are summarized: sonosensitizer optimization, strategies for overcoming hypoxic tumor microenvironment, and combinational therapy.
- The review places particular focus on combining SDT with chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, starvation therapy, gas therapy, and immunotherapy.
- The authors discuss current challenges in SDT-based tumor therapy and propose feasible approaches for design of high-efficiency sonosensitizer-derived nanotheranostics to augment SDT and promote potential clinical translation.
Limitations: Review article (no new experimental data reported in this paper).; Focus is on preclinical/engineering strategies; the abstract does not report clinical trial data.; Recommendations are conceptual/summarized strategies and may face translational challenges not resolved here..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Aug 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
Animal studyFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 2 · animal
Nature communications · Oct 2024
The authors developed a Zn/Pt dual-site single-atom TiO2-based sonosensitizer (Zn/Pt SATs) and used theoretical calculations plus experiments to evaluate it. They report that the coupled Zn and Pt atoms increase electron excitation and conductivity under ultrasound, raising ROS yield and sonoexcited holes, which enhanced ferroptosis and improved sonodynamic antitumor effects in a female mouse cancer model.
Key findings
- Theoretical calculations indicated that strongly coupled Zn and Pt atoms assist electron excitation by increasing electron conductivity and excitation efficiency under ultrasound.
- Zn/Pt SATs produced increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultrasound stimulation compared with traditional inorganic semiconductor sonosensitizers (reduced electron-hole recombination).
- In a female mouse cancer model, Zn/Pt SATs enhanced ferroptosis and augmented sonodynamic antitumor effects under ultrasound stimulation.
Limitations: Animal study only (female mice); no human data reported in the abstract.; Abstract provides no information on sample size, controls, statistical significance, or quantitative outcomes.; Mechanistic support relies in part on theoretical calculations; details of experimental validation are not given in the abstract.; Tumor type/model details are not specified in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Lab · in vitroFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Nanoscale · Jul 2024
The authors developed zwitterionic thermoresponsive nanoparticles with an upper critical solution temperature (UCST) tuned to 43 °C to deliver paclitaxel intracellularly and release it upon hyperthermia. In cell experiments, the nanoparticles released nearly all encapsulated drug after 1 hour at 43 °C while retaining more than 95% of the payload at 37 °C, and paclitaxel-loaded nanoparticles produced greater therapeutic effects on ovarian cancer cells than non-encapsulated paclitaxel.
Reported effects: payload release after 1 h at 43 °C · payload retained at 37 °C
Studied with: paclitaxel.
Key findings
- Thermoresponsive nanoparticles (NPs) with UCST behavior were synthesized via RAFT emulsion polymerization combining polyzwitterionic stabilizers and an oligoester biodegradable core.
- The cloud point (Tcp) of the NPs was tuned to match hyperthermia treatment needs at 43 °C and used to control paclitaxel delivery.
- "The NPs released almost entirely the encapsulated drug only following 1 h incubation at 43 °C, whereas they retained more than 95% of the payload in the physiological environment (37 °C), thus demonstrating their efficacy as on-demand drug delivery systems."
- Administration of drug-loaded NPs to ovarian cancer cells produced therapeutic effects that outperformed conventional administration of non-encapsulated paclitaxel.
Limitations: In vitro cell-based study only; no in vivo or human data reported in the abstract.; Abstract does not report quantitative cytotoxicity metrics, cell line identities, sample sizes, or statistical analysis details.; No pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, safety, or long-term efficacy data presented..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V · May 2024 · narrative review
neoplasms
This is a narrative review summarizing recent advances in ultrasound-responsive nanosystems used to enhance tumor immunotherapy. The authors describe how HIFU can generate immunogenic debris, LIFU can concentrate dendritic cells, ultrasonic cavitation and microbubbles can deliver immune enhancers, and sonodynamic therapy uses sonosensitizers to kill cancer cells and stimulate immune responses. The review discusses current hurdles and future opportunities for integrating ultrasound with nanosystems to boost antitumor immunity.
Studied with: immunotherapy.
Key findings
- Ultrasound combined with nanosystems can enhance immunotherapy according to recent literature.
- HIFU can ablate tumor cells and elicit immune reactions by creating immunogenic debris.
- LIFU can concentrate dendritic cells, potentially mitigating metastasis risk and influencing tumor immunosuppression.
- Ultrasonic cavitation and microbubbles can transport immune enhancers directly to tumors to strengthen immune responses.
- Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) uses sonosensitizers together with ultrasound to kill cancer cells and stimulate immune responses.
Limitations: This article is a review rather than original experimental or clinical data.; The abstract does not report primary quantitative results or human trial data.; Evidence summarized is likely heterogeneous and may be predominantly preclinical, limiting direct clinical inference.; No quantitative synthesis (meta-analysis) or systematic review methodology is described in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
Lab · in vitroFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Scientific reports · Apr 2024
The authors developed a new nanobiocomposite hydrogel combining tragacanth and silk fibroin with in situ synthesized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles. They evaluated hemolysis and MTT cell-viability assays and reported minimal hemolytic effects even at high concentrations. The material showed good water dispersion and a measured maximum SAR of 41.2 W/g in the first interval, indicating hyperthermia heating potential.
Reported effect: maximum SAR (first interval) 41.2
Studied with: silk fibroin, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles, Ca2+ cross-linking.
Key findings
- A nanobiocomposite based on tragacanth hydrogel cross-linked by Ca2+ and combined with silk fibroin was developed.
- Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized in situ within the nanocomposite to enhance hyperthermia efficiency.
- Hydrophilic groups in the components enabled good dispersion in water, which the authors state is important for hyperthermia cancer therapy.
- Hemolysis and MTT assays were conducted to evaluate safety and efficacy for in vivo applications.
- The nanobiocomposite had minimal hemolytic effects even at high concentrations.
- Maximum SAR value of 41.2 W/g was measured in the first interval during hyperthermia evaluation.
Limitations: In vitro assays only (hemolysis and MTT); no animal or human data reported in the abstract.; No specific cell lines, experimental conditions, or sample sizes are provided in the abstract.; MTT results are mentioned but no quantitative cytotoxicity/viability values are reported in the abstract.; Only a single SAR value is reported in the abstract without comparison or statistical detail..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
OtherFormulationMixed resultsPreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Nanoscale advances · Jan 2024
This computational/theoretical study analyzed how adding a dielectric coating affects radiofrequency electromagnetic absorption of ellipsoidal gold nanoparticles in human tissue, considering particle aspect ratio and frequency for single particles and suspensions. The authors report that coating increases absorption for particles with lower aspect ratios and at lower frequencies, but thermal modeling suggests those parameter regions produce negligible differential temperature increase; very large aspect-ratio particles (nanowires) produced less heat when coated.
Key findings
- Introduction of a dielectric coating increases the absorption rate for particles with lower aspect ratios and at lower frequencies.
- A thermal analysis reveals that the absorption in the parameter space of lower aspect ratios translate to negligible differential temperature increase, even with the addition of coating.
- Nanoparticles with very large aspect ratios (nanowires) generate less heat with coating compared to no coating.
- Presence of coating and choice of aspect ratio significantly impact the absorption response and must be accounted for in analysis of ligand-capped nanoparticles.
Limitations: The study is computational/theoretical and reports modeling results only—no experimental, in vitro, animal, or human data are presented.; Thermal predictions are model-based and may not capture complex in vivo factors (e.g., heterogeneous tissue properties, perfusion) that affect heating.; Specific coating chemistries, biological interactions of ligands, and realistic nanoparticle distributions in tissue are not experimentally validated here..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Animal studyFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 2 · animal
Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany) · Sep 2023
Researchers designed molybdenum disulfide nanoflowers with introduced sulfur vacancies (Sv-MoS2 NF) to improve piezoelectric properties for sonodynamic therapy. Under ultrasound the vacancy-engineered material showed enhanced charge separation and band tilting that increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and improved SDT performance. The Sv-MoS2 NF demonstrated anticancer effects in vitro and in vivo and were reported to have good biocompatibility.
Key findings
- Sv-MoS2 NF produced piezoelectric polarization and band tilting under ultrasonic mechanical stress.
- Vacancy engineering enhanced charge carrier separation and migration.
- Enhanced charge separation led to improved catalytic reaction for ROS production.
- Sv-MoS2 NF demonstrated a good anticancer effect in vitro and in vivo.
- Sv-MoS2 NF demonstrated good biocompatibility in the authors' evaluation.
Limitations: Abstract provides no species, tumor model details, sample sizes, dosing, control groups, or quantitative results.; No human data — findings are preclinical (in vitro and in vivo).; No statistical measures, numeric effect sizes, or p-values are reported in the abstract.; Biocompatibility and anticancer claims are described qualitatively without detailed safety endpoints in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Advanced healthcare materials · Sep 2023
tumors
This is a review article summarizing recent developments in inorganic nanosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy (SDT) against tumors. It describes SDT mechanisms (sonoexcitation and ultrasonic cavitation), classifies inorganic nanosonosensitizers into three categories, and outlines construction methods to enhance reactive oxygen species production and semiconductor charge separation. The review discusses advantages, disadvantages, and strategies to improve inorganic sonosensitizers for SDT.
Key findings
- SDT is a noninvasive approach used for tumors with the ability to penetrate deep tissue and reportedly few side effects.
- Inorganic sonosensitizers can be more easily excited by ultrasound compared with organic sonosensitizers and have stable properties, good dispersion, and long blood circulation time.
- The design and synthesis of inorganic nanosonosensitizers are categorized into: traditional inorganic semiconductor sonosensitizers, enhanced inorganic semiconductor sonosensitizers, and cavitation-enhanced sonosensitizers.
- Current construction methods to improve sonosensitizers include accelerating semiconductor charge separation and enhancing production of reactive oxygen species via ultrasonic cavitation.
- The review systematically discusses advantages and disadvantages of different inorganic sonosensitizers and proposes strategies to enhance SDT.
Limitations: Review article: does not present new primary experimental data.; Focuses on design, synthesis, and mechanisms rather than reporting clinical outcomes or human trial data.; Likely centered on preclinical/engineering studies; no clinical effectiveness or safety data are provided in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 4 · clinical
Current treatment options in oncology · Sep 2023
cancer
This narrative review summarizes strategies to improve photodynamic therapy by increasing the light energy capture efficiency of porphyrin photosensitizers and enhancing tissue penetration of activating light. It highlights structural modifications and the use of indirect excitation via fluorescent donors (fluorescence resonance energy transfer, FRET) as approaches that have been used to address limited penetration and low energy-capture efficiency. The paper discusses enhancement methods rather than reporting new experimental or clinical data.
Studied with: fluorescent donors.
Key findings
- Porphyrin photosensitizers have limited tissue penetration of activating wavelengths and relatively low light energy capture efficiency.
- Structural modifications of porphyrins are discussed as a way to enhance tissue penetration and light energy capture efficiency.
- Indirect excitation of porphyrin photosensitizers using fluorescent donors via fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been successfully used to address these issues.
- The review discusses enhancement strategies for porphyrin light energy capture efficiency.
Limitations: Narrative review — no new experimental data are presented in the abstract.; Abstract does not report clinical trial data or patient outcomes.; Focus is on photophysical/engineering enhancements; translation to clinical benefit is not addressed in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewFormulationMixed resultsPreclinical onlyTier 4 · clinical
Journal of controlled release : official journal of the Controlled Release Society · Sep 2023
deep tumors
This is a review of sonodynamic therapy (SDT), which combines low-intensity ultrasound with sonosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). The authors summarize mechanisms of SDT, discuss limitations of current organic and inorganic sonosensitizers, and describe stimuli-responsive nano-sonosensitizers as an approach to improve specificity and safety for treating tumors and bacterial infections, while highlighting barriers to clinical translation.
Studied with: low-intensity ultrasound.
Key findings
- SDT produces lethal reactive oxygen species (ROS) via the combination of low-intensity ultrasound and sonosensitizers; ROS-mediated damage is the main mechanism.
- Traditional organic small-molecule sonosensitizers have poor water solubility, strong phototoxicity, and insufficient targeting ability.
- Inorganic sonosensitizers often have low ROS yield and poor biocompatibility.
- Designing stimuli-responsive nano-sonosensitizers that exploit local lesion microenvironment characteristics and ultrasound stimulation may enable more efficient, specific, and safer therapy.
- The review covers accepted SDT mechanisms, classification of response patterns, applications in tumor and bacterial infection treatment, and discusses potential limitations and future perspectives needed for clinical translation.
Limitations: This article is a review and does not present new experimental or clinical trial data.; Discussion is primarily about preclinical and conceptual advances; clinical translation remains unproven and is noted as hindered.; No specific human trial outcomes or quantitative clinical efficacy data are reported in the abstract..
Reviews sonodynamic therapy and stimuli-responsive nano-sonosensitizers specifically for application against deep tumors (and MDR bacterial infections).
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewFormulationReported positiveLimited evidenceTier 4 · clinical
Pharmaceutics · Jun 2023
This editorial/review addresses drug delivery in photodynamic therapy (PDT). The abstract fragment states PDT is a non-invasive and selective option for solid tumors and non-oncological diseases but gives no specific experimental results, compounds, or quantitative data.
Key findings
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is described as a non-invasive and selective treatment option for solid tumors and non-oncological diseases.
- The article's topic is drug delivery in the context of PDT.
Limitations: Article is an editorial/review and does not present primary experimental data.; Provided abstract is truncated and contains minimal information.; No study design, methods, sample size, species, doses, or quantitative results are reported in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
Animal studyFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 2 · animal
ACS applied materials & interfaces · Jun 2023
squamous cell carcinoma
The authors designed a red blood cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticle composed of GSH-sensitive and ROS-sensitive polyphosphoesters to co-deliver the sonosensitizer hematoporphyrin (HMME) and the chemotherapy drug docetaxel (DTXL). In vitro and in vivo experiments reported that ultrasound-activated HMME generated ROS that inhibited SCC7 cell proliferation and promoted accelerated DTXL release, while the SS-PPE component consumed intracellular glutathione to prevent ROS scavenging. The construct is presented as enabling amplified ROS generation and synergistic chemo-sonodynamic antitumor activity in squamous cell carcinoma models.
Studied with: hematoporphyrin (sonosensitizer), docetaxel, ultrasound (sonodynamic therapy).
Key findings
- A biomimetic (RBC membrane-camouflaged) nanoparticle comprising SS-PPE and S-PPE was developed to co-deliver HMME and DTXL.
- In vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated HMME-driven ROS generation under ultrasound inhibited SCC7 cell proliferation.
- Ultrasound-triggered ROS generation accelerated DTXL release via a hydrophobic-hydrophilic transition of the nanoparticle core.
- The disulfide bond of SS-PPE consumed GSH, which the authors report prevents ROS consumption and amplifies ROS-mediated effects.
- The nanomedicine produced synergistic chemo-sonodynamic effects against squamous cell carcinoma models in the reported preclinical experiments.
Limitations: Preclinical only: findings reported from in vitro and in vivo models, no human data.; Abstract does not specify the animal species, number of animals, or sample sizes.; No quantitative efficacy or safety/toxicity data are reported in the abstract.; Long-term outcomes, biodistribution, and off-target effects are not described in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
ACS nano · Mar 2023
This narrative review summarizes recent developments in sonodynamic therapy (SDT) for cancer, with a focus on metal-organic framework (MOF)-based sonosensitizers. It discusses basic principles (including ultrasonic cavitation and the sonodynamic effect), preparation methods and properties of MOF-based products, reported advantages and synergistic MOF-assisted SDT strategies in anticancer applications, and highlights challenges and future potential.
Key findings
- Provides an overview of recent developments in sonodynamic therapy and discusses basic principles such as ultrasonic cavitation and the sonodynamic effect.
- Reviews preparation methods and properties (morphology, structure, size) of MOF-based sonosensitizers.
- Describes MOF-assisted sonodynamic therapy strategies and synergistic therapies in anticancer applications, highlighting advantages and reported improvements.
- Identifies probable challenges and technological potential for future advancement of MOF-assisted SDT.
Limitations: Narrative review; does not present new primary experimental data.; Abstract does not specify tumor types, clinical evidence, or human trial results.; No indication that this is a systematic review or meta-analysis; potential for selection/publication bias in cited studies.; Conclusions about advantages and future potential are general and may reflect predominantly preclinical findings rather than demonstrated clinical benefit..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Aug 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
Lab · in vitroFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
RSC advances · Mar 2023
The authors designed and fabricated a magnetized nanobiocomposite composed of chitosan hydrogel, silk fibroin, PVA and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles for biological applications and specifically evaluated its potential for hyperthermia cancer therapy. They characterized the material (FT-IR, XRD, EDX, FE-SEM, TGA, VSM), found it hemocompatible and non-toxic to healthy cells by MTT and hemolysis testing, and reported it caused cancer cell death of 20.23% in vitro. The authors concluded it shows potential as a candidate for hyperthermia cancer therapy.
Reported effect: cancer cell death 20.23%
Key findings
- A multifunctional nanobiocomposite combining chitosan hydrogel, silk fibroin, PVA and Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles was fabricated for biological and hyperthermia cancer therapy applications.
- Structural analyses were performed by FT-IR, XRD, EDX, FE-SEM, TGA and VSM.
- MTT and hemolysis testing indicated the material is hemocompatible and non-toxic for healthy cells.
- The nanobiocomposite caused death of cancer cells to some extent (20.23%).
- The authors evaluated the material's ability for hyperthermia cancer therapy and suggested it can be introduced as an excellent candidate for such applications.
Limitations: In vitro only (MTT and hemolysis); no animal or human data reported.; Abstract does not specify which cancer cell lines were tested or sample sizes.; Only a single quantitative efficacy value reported (20.23% cancer cell death); no statistical measures (p-values, CIs) or controls detailed.; No dosing, exposure time, or experimental conditions provided for the cytotoxicity or hyperthermia experiments.; Claims of suitability as an "excellent candidate" are not supported by in vivo efficacy or safety data in this abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed · Full text
ReviewFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Small (Weinheim an der Bergstrasse, Germany) · Mar 2023
cancer
This is a review of recent work on titanium-based nanomaterials used as sonosensitizers for sonodynamic therapy (SDT). The authors summarize synthesis strategies, biosafety considerations, and how titanium nanoplatforms can be combined with other modalities (chemotherapy, photothermal/photodynamic/chemodynamic therapies, and immunotherapy) to enhance therapeutic outcomes, and they discuss challenges and prospects for clinical translation.
Studied with: chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, immunotherapy.
Key findings
- Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) uses low-intensity ultrasound plus a sonosensitizer to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) for cancer and antimicrobial therapies.
- Titanium-based nanomaterials are highlighted as sonosensitizers because of high biocompatibility, catalytic efficiency, and customizable physicochemical features.
- Titanium-based sonosensitizers enable integration of SDT with other treatment modalities (chemotherapy, chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy) to increase overall therapeutic results.
- The review discusses synthesis strategies and biosafety aspects of titanium-based nanoplatforms and highlights challenges and prospects for clinical translation.
Limitations: Review article; no new original experimental data are reported in this paper.; The abstract indicates a focus on preclinical nanoplatform development; clinical efficacy and safety data are not presented.; Challenges and translational barriers are noted, implying existing limitations for clinical application..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
OtherFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Angewandte Chemie (International ed. in English) · Nov 2022
The authors fabricated ultrafine photoetched bismuth vanadate (BiVO4) nanorods modified with DSPE-PEG2000 (PEBVO@PEG NRs) intended as sonosensitizers for cancer. Photoetching introduced oxygen vacancies that enhanced charge separation and increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxygen (O2). The material is reported to overcome limitations of traditional sonosensitizers and to show promising sonodynamic therapeutic effects for hypoxic tumors.
Key findings
- Ultrafine photoetched BiVO4 nanorods modified with DSPE-PEG2000 (PEBVO@PEG NRs) were fabricated.
- Photoetching induced enriched oxygen vacancies on the BiVO4 surface, enhancing charge separation.
- Enhanced charge separation improved generation efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and O2.
- PEBVO@PEG is reported to overcome main obstacles of traditional sonosensitizers and to show promising sonodynamic therapeutic effects for hypoxic tumor therapy.
Limitations: Abstract does not specify whether findings come from in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo experiments (no model details provided).; No sample sizes, quantitative efficacy metrics, comparative controls, or statistical results are reported in the abstract.; No safety, toxicity, or pharmacokinetic data are reported in the abstract.; Translation to clinical benefit is not demonstrated in this abstract and remains uncertain..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
OtherFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Computer methods and programs in biomedicine · Nov 2022
unspecified neoplasm
The authors developed a virtual three-dimensional model (a cat's back) and used computer simulations to test three scenarios of magnetic nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia. The simulations evaluated the impact of magnetic nanoparticles in different configurations and reported that the method can help minimize heating of healthy tissue and assist personalized planning of dose and nanoparticle distribution for hyperthermia.
Key findings
- Developed a 3D virtual model of a cat's back to simulate magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia.
- Tested three different simulation scenarios to show the impact of magnetic nanoparticles in different environment configurations.
- Simulation results reported that the method can minimize affection (damage) to healthy tissue.
- Authors conclude the virtual method can help personalize therapy planning and tailor dose and distribution of magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced hyperthermia.
Limitations: In silico simulation only; no in vivo or clinical validation reported in the abstract.; Model used a cat's back anatomy, which may limit generalizability to human patients.; Abstract provides no quantitative results or metrics of heating, efficacy, or safety.; No information on sample size, validation against experiments, or prospective testing..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
Animal studyFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 2 · animal
European journal of pharmaceutics and biopharmaceutics : official journal of Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Pharmazeutische Verfahrenstechnik e.V · Oct 2022
hepatocellular carcinoma
The authors developed an oxygen self-enriched, SP94-targeted liposomal nanovesicle carrying indocyanine green (ICG), doxorubicin (DOX), and perfluorohexane (PFH). In vitro the SP94 peptide increased selectivity for liver tumor cells versus normal liver cells, and PFH was included to raise tumor oxygen levels to enhance ROS production during sonodynamic therapy. In vivo, the ICG-DOX NPs/PFH@SP94-Lip combined with external ultrasound significantly inhibited tumor growth in a liver cancer model, presented as a proof-of-concept platform.
Studied with: sonodynamic therapy (ultrasound), doxorubicin chemotherapy, PFH oxygen carrier.
Key findings
- Created an oxygen self-enriched, SP94-targeted nanovesicle (ICG-DOX NPs/PFH@SP94-Lip) for combined chemo/sonodynamic therapy.
- SP94 peptide enhanced the selectivity of the nanovesicles to liver tumor cells rather than normal liver cells.
- Perfluorohexanes (PFH) were co-loaded into liposomes to increase the oxygen level in tumor tissue, aiming to improve SDT-induced ROS generation.
- In vivo studies showed that ICG-DOX NPs/PFH@SP94-Lip combined with external ultrasound stimulation significantly inhibited tumor growth.
Limitations: Preclinical evidence only (in vivo animal model); no human data reported.; Abstract provides no sample sizes, detailed statistical results, or duration of treatment/follow-up.; Abstract does not report safety or toxicity data for the nanovesicles or combined therapy.; Mechanistic and long-term efficacy data are not quantified in the abstract..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Sep 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed
ReviewFormulationReported positivePreclinical onlyTier 1 · lab
Advanced drug delivery reviews · Oct 2022
cancer (general)
This is a narrative review of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) for cancer and how nanomedicine can shape sonosensitizers and US-responsive agents. The authors summarize mechanisms proposed for SDT, emphasize the importance of sonosensitizer physicochemical properties and localization, and argue that nanosystems can both deliver and act as therapeutic agents to enhance sonodynamic anticancer effects.
Studied with: nanomedicine, ultrasound.
Key findings
- SDT uses sonosensitizers activated by non-thermal ultrasound that can penetrate deeply into tissues.
- The mechanisms by which ultrasound triggers sonosensitizer activity are not yet clearly elucidated, which slows clinical application.
- Physicochemical properties of sonosensitizers and their cellular localization are important determinants of their bioeffects.
- Nanomedicine enables shaping of ultrasound-responsive agents to enhance specific sonodynamic effects, including sonoluminescence-mediated anticancer effects.
- There has been substantial recent improvement in SDT driven by advances in nanosized materials, and a shift from delivery systems to nanosystems acting as therapeutic agents is highlighted as important for SDT development.
Limitations: This article is a review and does not present new primary experimental or clinical data.; Mechanisms of sonodynamic therapy remain incompletely understood according to the authors.; Clinical application is noted as limited/slow due to mechanistic uncertainty; translation from preclinical work to humans is not established in this review..
AI summary of the abstract, human-reviewed · Jul 2026. Describes what this study reported, not medical advice. View on PubMed