Principal Investigator: Richard Price, Ph.D., University of Virginia, Department of Biomedical Engineering

Co-Investigator: Jason Sheehan, M.D., Ph.D., University of Virginia, Department of Neurosurgery

Award: $100,000

Funding Period: September 1, 2007 - August 31, 2008

Abstract: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of brain tumors is complicated by heating of the skull. Here, our goal is to overcome this limitation by developing an ultrasound-microbubble-based therapeutic approach that complements HIFU by mechanically-damaging tumor tissue, occluding blood flow, and depositing 5-FU bearing controlled-release nanoparticles into brain tumors at reduced power levels. Experiments for monitoring nanoparticle delivery, blood flow changes, and tumor regression will be performed using tumors implanted in mouse dorsal skinfold window chambers. We anticipate these that studies will result in the successful development of a delivery method and agent(s) suitable for preclinical testing with HIFU. 

Progress Report: Final progress report

Publications: 

1. Covalently linking poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles to microbubbles before intravenous injection improves their ultrasound-targeted delivery to skeletal muscle

2. Inhibition of glioma growth by microbubble activation in a subcutaneous model using low duty cycle ultrasound without significant heating

3. Contrast ultrasound targeted treatment of gliomas in mice via drug-bearing nanoparticle delivery and microvascular ablation