Everyone's Health

Tumors need gas too

An embolism is a medical term describing the blockage of an artery by a blood clot, bit of fat or bone, or a bubble of air. Generally embolisms are bad news; sometimes they are fatal.

But researchers at the University of Michigan think they may have discovered a good use for at least one kind of embolus – the gas bubble. In a technique called embolotherapy, they propose using precisely controlled gas bubbles to block blood flow to cancer tumors, depriving them of sustenance.

Blocking blood circulation to tumors isn't an entirely new idea. Doctors have tried it in the past using solid plugs, such as blood clots or gel. The problem has been controlling the size of the plug: If it's too big, surrounding tissues are harmed. Plus, the technique often requires pretty invasive surgery.

The gas bubble procedure is far simpler. Doctors inject tiny droplets of superheated perfluorocarbon liquid, then watch via standard ultrasound as the droplets flow through the bloodstream to their intended target. When they arrive, the droplets are zapped with high-intensity ultrasound waves, which act like a pin popping a water balloon. The droplets expand to roughly 125 times their original volume, creating an arterial plug that stops blood flowing to the tumor.

And the cancer tumor dies.

Prior | Tell us what you think | Next

Add to Your Social Bookmarks: Del.icio.us Digg Furl Reddit Simpy Spurl Y! MyWeb - StumbleUpon