Background/aims: To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of Tumor Destructive Mechanical Impulse (TMI) treatment of solid tumors, biomechanical preconditions for subsequent computational simulation of focused shock wave propagation within cells and tissue are investigated. This innovative "soft" approach is different from the FDA-approved high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)-based histotripsy, and from electrical Tumor Treating Fields (TTFs).
Methods: Atomic force microscopy investigation for cell mechanics, multiple parametric computational simulations for focused shock wave propagation, technical TMI generator and applicator design, light- and electron-microscopic evaluation of treatment effects on tumor cells and tissue.
Results: Individual tumor cell evaluation of physical properties as basis for multiple parametric simulations determine the optimal treatment parameters (total energy required, energy flux density, shock wave frequency) and applicator positions; design flexibility of applicator devices for extra- and intracorporeal treatment.
Conclusion: The fundamental feasibility, effectiveness and reliability of TMI treatment of solid tumors were proven, providing a reliable theoretical basis for the broadly applicable translation into clinical practice.
Keywords: TMI treatment of tumors ; Biomechanics of tumor cells ; Computational simulation of shock wave propagation ; Physiological effect on tumor cells ; Immunological effect.
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