Liquid biopsy is a blood test used to diagnose and monitor treatment of brain tumors.
Nine patients with glioblastoma (GBM) underwent liquid biopsy before and after focused ultrasound treatment that disrupted the blood-brain barrier to enhance chemotherapy delivery.
This first-in-human study – recently published in Neuro-Oncology – found focused ultrasound enriched the amount of circulating brain tumor biomarkers in the peripheral blood.
The results suggest that focused ultrasound could reduce the need for invasive brain tumor biopsies and allow better monitoring of GBM treatment responses.
Jason Sheehan, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurosurgery at the University of Virginia, has joined the Foundation as the Senior Advisor for Brain Tumor Research.
He will help define the Foundation’s strategy for brain tumor research, engage in Foundation-initiated research, and interface with medical societies.
Researchers at West Virginia University have begun a first-in-the-world clinical trial investigating focused ultrasound to address opioid use disorder.
The trial aims to reduce patients’ substance cravings and addictive behaviors.
COVID-19 has intensified the addiction crisis, and researchers hope to be able to offer patients a new treatment option.
The Foundation's Chief Scientific Officer, Jessica Foley, PhD, joins others to discuss opportunities and challenges for women scientists and business leaders.
