Literature Review: Focused Ultrasound Immunotherapy for Brain Tumors

Published:

Key Points

  • Researchers conducted a comprehensive literature review of studies using focused ultrasound to modulate anti-tumor immunity in the central nervous system.
  • Four bioeffects induce immune effects, improve immunotherapy trafficking, or turn “cold” tumors “hot.”
  • When combined with immunotherapy, focused ultrasound can promote robust responses in brain tumors.

The Roles of Thermal and Mechanical Stress in Focused Ultrasound–Mediated Immunomodulation and Immunotherapy for Central Nervous System Tumors

A collaborative group of researchers recently published a comprehensive literature review of studies using focused ultrasound to modulate anti-tumor immunity in the central nervous system. They examined thermal and mechanical modalities for immunomodulation and immunotherapy in the current body of published research.

Four bioeffects (hyperthermia, thermal ablation, microbubble-mediated tissue disruption, and histotripsy) all induce immune effects, improve immunotherapy trafficking, or turn “cold” tumors “hot.” Hot tumors are more responsive to immunotherapies.

The scientists concluded that when combined with immunotherapy, focused ultrasound can promote robust responses in brain tumors and produce “unique and distinct” immunomodulatory effects in the brain-tumor microenvironment. However, they added that “…rational therapeutic strategies supported by rigorous preclinical studies are still needed to leverage potential synergies of this technology with immune adjuvants.”

See the Journal of Neuro-Oncology >