Target practice

A research grant for £2m to aid the development of pioneering drug delivery treatment for cancer and gene therapy has been awarded to the universities of Dundee and St Andrews.

The announcement follows preliminary research undertaken over the past year. The universities achieved a breakthrough in 2005 in understanding how cancer cells can be targeted and destroyed by a single pulse of ultrasound energy using a 'sniper rifle' approach.

Dr Paul Campbell at

's division of electronic engineering and physics explained that microbubbles, which measure about three microns, can be injected intravenously to boost ultrasound signals. When ultrasound is applied to microbubbles they are disrupted, causing small perforations in the target cells, which release the drugs and genes that are contained in their encapsulating layer.

Medical potential

Depending on the ultrasound intensity, these effects can be temporary and the cell will re-seal itself, locking in the drug. But if the intensity is increased the cell can be killed outright. Hence it is useful for cancer treatment and one reason why the technique holds such potential for future medical applications.