Focused Ultrasound for Sarcomas: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Sarcomas are tumors of mesenchymal origin that are generally resistant to systemic therapies and prone to local recurrence despite current multimodal treatment approaches. Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a noninvasive therapeutic technology that may enhance standard treatment strategies for primary solid malignancies. FUS exerts its effects through diverse mechanisms, including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) thermal ablation, histotripsy, sonodynamic therapy, immunomodulation, and hyperthermia-enhanced drug delivery. In this narrative review, we summarize the mechanisms of focused ultrasound that have been investigated for the treatment of sarcomas and highlight the results of preclinical, veterinary, and clinical studies related to this area.