Targeted manipulation of apoptotic pathways by using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound in cancer treatment

•HIFU triggers both apoptosis pathways..•Coupling of MRI and HIFU is optimal variant for pinpoint induction of apoptosis. .•Combining of HIFU and modulators of apoptosis is new method of cure of cancer.

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a mechanism of cell death, which has been exploited for the treatment of cancers over the past few years. The understanding of apoptosis pathways (intrinsic and extrinsic) has led to discovery of treatment strategies which selectively target the cancer cells and spare the normal ones. This article reviews the current understanding of the apoptotic pathways which are utilized for targeting cancer cells using High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU).