Ultrasound-responsive drug nanocarriers in oncology: key determinants of therapeutic performance

Carrier-based systems, particularly liposomes, continue to be widely investigated for delivering anticancer treatments. In recent years, multiple approaches have been explored to achieve on-demand delivery of therapeutic cargo from these systems. Here, ultrasound has come to the fore as a practical and precise stimulus to trigger drug release from various formulations. This review explores the interplay between ultrasound and different micro and nanocarriers in oncology, highlighting the mechanisms of ultrasound-triggered delivery, relevance of carrier composition and particle size, cancer types in which the technique holds the most promise, and current barriers and future opportunities related to this approach. We also summarize the existing preclinical studies of US-responsive carriers, with a focus on lipid-based delivery systems. Through the review, the clinical translatability of high-intensity focused ultrasound in drug delivery platform designs is showcased.