MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) developer InSightec is investigating the use of MRgFUS technology to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier.
The human body has a protective barrier that restricts the passage of substances from the bloodstream into the brain, protecting it from toxic chemicals. But this barrier also prevents the delivery of essential medication to the brain.
However, researchers at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Canada have succeeded in noninvasively opening the blood-brain barrier using the Exablate Neuro platform, according to Elbit, which holds a stake in InSightec. This will allow more effective delivery of lifesaving therapies, such as chemotherapy, to malignant brain tumors, the firm added.
The research is part of a pilot study to investigate the feasibility, safety, and preliminary efficacy of focused ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier to deliver chemotherapy to brain tumors. Up to 10 patients are participating in the study, which is being funded by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, with InSightec as the regulatory sponsor.
