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Neurosurgical Techniques for Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier for Glioblastoma Treatment.

Authors: Rodriguez A, Tatter SB, Debinski W

The blood-brain barrier remains a main hurdle to drug delivery to the brain. The prognosis of glioblastoma remains grim despite current multimodal medical management. We review neurosurgical technologies that disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB). We will review superselective intra-arterial mannitol infusion, focused ultrasound, laser interstitial thermotherapy, and non-thermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE). These technologies can lead to transient BBB and blood-brain tumor barrier disruption and allow for the potential of more effective local drug delivery. Animal studies and preliminary clinical trials show promise for achieving this goal.

Introduction

Purpose Drug delivery with BBB opening
Study Objective To review neurosurgical technologies that transiently disrupt the blood–brain barrier—including superselective intra-arterial mannitol infusion, focused ultrasound, laser interstitial thermotherapy, and non-thermal irreversible electroporation—to enable improved local drug delivery for glioblastoma.
Animal model / Human subject Not specified
Disease model glioblastoma
MRI or image guidance method MRI
Targeted brain region(s) Sites With Glioblastoma
Cargo name and characteristics lipid-encased perfluorocarbon gas approximately 1–5 µm in diameter
Route of administration intravenous

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes Neurosurgical techniques (superselective intra-arterial mannitol, focused ultrasound, laser interstitial thermotherapy, and non-thermal irreversible electroporation) transiently disrupt the blood–brain and blood–brain tumor barriers to enhance local drug delivery, showing promise in animal models and early clinical trials.
Duration of biological effect Not specified in the provided text
Safety-related matter No safety concerns or adverse effects are mentioned in the provided text.

Brain Region

Ultrasound Parameters

Ultrasound instrument Not specified
FUS Frequency 1 Hz
FUS Intensity 150-950 W
FUS Mode pulsed
Pulse duration 10 ms
Duration of a single FUS session 20-30s
Focal Characteristics Not specified
Treatment frequency Not specified in text

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