High-intensity focused ultrasound thermal ablation (HIFU)

The entry "Tissue ablation via thermal effect of high-intensity ultrasonic energy" refers not to a specific molecular target but rather to a **therapeutic technique**—specifically, the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound (**HIFU**) for noninvasive tissue destruction. In this method, intense acoustic energy is precisely delivered and concentrated at a focal point within the body. The absorption of this energy rapidly raises local temperatures above 55–60°C within seconds, resulting in **coagulative necrosis** and irreversible cell death in the targeted region while sparing surrounding tissues from significant damage[1][2][7]. This approach is used clinically for treating various solid tumors (such as those in the prostate, breast, liver), benign growths like uterine fibroids, pain palliation from bone metastases, and some neurological conditions. The main mechanism is **thermal**, though mechanical effects such as cavitation can also contribute depending on parameters used. Real-time imaging guidance with MRI or ultrasound allows precise monitoring and control during therapy[2][7]. While highly effective for localized lesions with sharp margins between treated and untreated areas[2], challenges include potential off-target effects due to heat diffusion or tissue movement during sonication. This entry does not represent a molecular entity such as a receptor or enzyme; therefore it should not be classified as a therapeutic target molecule but rather as an interventional modality. > Note: If you are seeking information about an actual molecular target affected by HIFU-induced cell death pathways (such as proteins involved in apoptosis following thermal injury), please specify further. **Reasoning:** The provided name describes a procedure/technology—not a molecule/receptor/target—and thus does not fit standard drug discovery target conventions. It should be flagged accordingly ("is_incorrect": true).

Other names

Focused ultrasound ablationHIFU thermal ablationUltrasound-induced tissue ablationFocused ultrasound surgery (FUS)

Localized heating of tissue via focused ultrasonic energy to induce cell death through coagulative necrosis[1][2][7][10]