gemcitabine + oxaliplatin + sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles

This experimental therapeutic approach, being investigated by Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute (NCT02233205), combines standard-of-care chemotherapy with ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles to treat liver metastases from gastrointestinal tumors and pancreatic carcinoma. The regimen typically involves gemcitabine or a platinum-based agent (such as oxaliplatin) administered alongside SonoVue (sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles). The core mechanism is sonoporation: the application of ultrasound causes the microbubbles to oscillate and burst, creating temporary pores in the vascular endothelium and tumor cell membranes. This physical disruption enhances the extravasation and intracellular uptake of the chemotherapy drugs, potentially overcoming resistance and increasing local drug concentration within the tumor. It is primarily targeted at patients who have failed routine chemotherapy.

Brand names

SonoVueGemzarEloxatin

Other names

platinum + gemcitabine-Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute-liver metastases-pancreatic carcinomaUltrasound Microbubbles and Chemotherapyplatinum and gemcitabineultrasonic microbubbles