Science to Practice: Can Focused Ultrasound Disruption of the Blood-Brain Barrier Improve Malignant Brain Tumor Treatment Outcomes?

A relatively novel combination treatment for malignant brain tumors that includes focused ultrasound has been shown to improve tumor response and treatment outcome in a preclinical mouse model. This method directly addresses the great need for better treatments for this lethal disease. However, there are substantial technologic hurdles that must be addressed before clinical efficacy will be known. Unfortunately, few of these questions can be readily answered outside the clinical environment. Although it would be enormously challenging, a phase I clinical trial seems feasible and needed to determine the clinical value of this technique.