Neuroinflammation associated with ultrasound-mediated permeabilization of the blood-brain barrier.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) continues to represent one of the most significant challenges for successful drug-based treatments of neurological disease. Mechanical modulation of the BBB using focused ultrasound (FUS) and microbubbles (MBs) has shown considerable promise in enhancing the delivery of therapeutics to the brain, but questions remain regarding possible long-term effects of such forced disruption. This review examines the evidence for inflammation associated with ultrasound-induced BBB disruption and potential strategies for managing such inflammatory effects to improve both the efficacy and safety of therapeutic ultrasound in neurological applications.

Introduction

Purpose Drug delivery with BBB opening

Study Objective To review evidence for inflammation following focused ultrasound–induced blood–brain barrier disruption and discuss strategies to manage these inflammatory effects to improve therapeutic safety and efficacy in neurological applications.

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes Focused ultrasound with microbubbles can transiently disrupt the blood–brain barrier to enhance therapeutic delivery but is associated with inflammation and potential long-term effects; the review discusses strategies to manage these inflammatory responses. The paper does not report testing specific focused ultrasound parameter sets or identify particular parameters as successful.

Safety-related matter The review notes safety concerns, citing possible long-term effects and evidence of inflammation associated with ultrasound-induced BBB disruption, and discusses strategies to manage these inflammatory effects to improve safety.

Brain Region

Visualization unavailable

Ultrasound Parameters

Focal Characteristics Focal depth: None; Focal length: None; Aperture size: None

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