MR Guided Pulsed High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Enhancement of Docetaxel Combined with Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment

This project will determine whether (1) HIFU increases the cellular update of docetaxel in vivo, and (2) the increased uptake of docetaxel combined with RT will enhance tumor growth inhibition. We will determine the optimal HIFU parameters, quantify the update of docetaxel using a radioactive tritiated docetaxel and evaluate the efficacy of docetaxel+RT in inhibiting prostate tumor growth in vivo. This research has the potential to improve local control and may also have effects on distant microscopic disease by promoting immune response, which will also lay the foundation for other tumor models and studies on gene therapy and thrombolytic drugs.