Key Points
- A new consensus paper describes the use of focused ultrasound to help treat diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs).
- The paper provides a comprehensive overview of all related preclinical and clinical studies, most of which use the technology to open the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
- Four manufacturers are currently in clinical trials using their systems to open the BBB to treat DMGs and other brain tumors.
A newly published consensus paper describes how the use of focused ultrasound is being explored to treat diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs). By covering past, current, and future studies, the paper provides a comprehensive overview of all related preclinical and clinical work, most of which use the technology for blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening to allow therapeutics to reach the devastating brain tumors.
After providing background on DMG tumors and their poor prognoses, the paper outlines, reviews, and summarizes almost a dozen relevant preclinical studies. It then moves on to describe the four focused ultrasound manufacturers that are currently in clinical trials using their systems to open the BBB to treat DMGs and other brain tumors. Delsona, Insightec, Carthera, and NaviFUS each use slightly different approaches and navigation systems. Two of the procedures can even be performed in a physician’s office. There are three clinical trials currently using focused ultrasound–mediated BBB opening with therapeutics and an additional clinical trial employing sonodynamic therapy to treat DMGs. The manuscript concludes by discussing potential preclinical, technical, and clinical work that would continue to advance focused ultrasound in DMG treatment, including liquid biopsy and immunotherapy.
“I am pleased with the outcome of our 2021 Focused Ultrasound for DIPG workshop,” said Lauren Powlovich, MD, the Foundation’s associate chief medical officer. “It kickstarted a greater interest and motivation to explore focused ultrasound for DIPG. In one year’s time, three new clinical trials have begun. This journal article represents the collaborative efforts between the DIPG and focused ultrasound communities to strategically advance the field to help patients as quickly as possible. I am thankful for Drs. Mueller, Zacharoulis, Hynynen, and Nazarian for their efforts with the workshop and this paper as well as Dr. LeBlang and Kavya Parekh from the Foundation.”
The Foundation is funding the ongoing clinical trials, most of which are being conducted at Focused Ultrasound Centers of Excellence.
This invited manuscript was inspired by the white paper written to summarize the Foundation’s 2021 DIPG Workshop.