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Natera-Villalba E, Ruiz-Yanzi MA, Gasca-Salas C, Matarazzo M, Martínez-Fernández R. MR-guided focused ultrasound in movement disorders and beyond: Lessons learned and new frontiers. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2024; 122:106040. [PMID: 38378311 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2024.106040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
The development of MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has provided a new therapeutic tool for neuropsychiatric disorders. In contrast to previously available neurosurgical techniques, MRgFUS allows precise impact on deep brain structures without the need for incision and yields an immediate effect. In its high-intensity modality (MRgHIFU), it produces accurate therapeutic thermoablation in previously selected brain targets. Importantly, the production of the lesion is progressive and highly controlled in real-time by both neuroimaging and clinical means. MRgHIFU ablation is already an accepted and widely used treatment for medically-refractory Parkinson's disease and essential tremor. Notably, other neurological disorders and diverse brain targets, including bilateral treatments, are currently under examination. Conversely, the low-intensity modality (MRgLIFU) shows promising prospects in neuromodulation and transient blood-brain barrier opening (BBBO). In the former circumstance, MRgLIFU could serve as a powerful clinical and research tool for non-invasively modulating brain activity and function. BBBO, on the other hand, emerges as a potentially impactful method to influence disease pathogenesis and progression by increasing brain target engagement of putative therapeutic agents. While promising, these applications remain experimental. As a recently developed technology, MRgFUS is not without challenges and questions to be addressed. Further developments and broader experience are necessary to enhance MRgFUS capabilities in both research and clinical practice, as well as to define device constraints. This clinical mini-review aims to provide an overview of the main evidence of MRgFUS application and to highlight unmet needs and future potentialities of the technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Natera-Villalba
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta Del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain; PhD Medicine Program, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María-Agustina Ruiz-Yanzi
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta Del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Gasca-Salas
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta Del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; University CEU-San Pablo, Madrid, Spain
| | - Michele Matarazzo
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta Del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raúl Martínez-Fernández
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta Del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain; CIBERNED, Instituto Carlos III, Madrid, Spain; University CEU-San Pablo, Madrid, Spain.
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Ahmed AK, Zhuo J, Gullapalli RP, Jiang L, Keaser ML, Greenspan JD, Chen C, Miller TR, Melhem ER, Sansur CA, Eisenberg HM, Gandhi D. Focused Ultrasound Central Lateral Thalamotomy for the Treatment of Refractory Neuropathic Pain: Phase I Trial. Neurosurgery 2024; 94:690-699. [PMID: 37947407 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000002752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) central lateral thalamotomy (CLT) has not yet been validated for treating refractory neuropathic pain (NP). Our aim was to assess the safety and potential efficacy of MRgFUS CLT for refractory NP. METHODS In this prospective, nonrandomized, single-arm, investigator-initiated phase I trial, patients with NP for more than 6 months related to phantom limb pain, spinal cord injury, or radiculopathy/radicular injury and who had undergone at least one previous failed intervention were eligible. The main outcomes were safety profile and pain as assessed using the brief pain inventory, the pain disability index, and the numeric rating scale. Medication use and the functional connectivity of the default mode network (DMN) were also assessed. RESULTS Ten patients were enrolled, with nine achieving successful ablation. There were no serious adverse events and 12 mild/moderate severity events. The mean age was 50.9 years (SD: 12.7), and the mean symptom duration was 12.3 years (SD: 9.7). Among eight patients with a 1-year follow-up, the brief pain inventory decreased from 7.6 (SD: 1.1) to 3.8 (SD: 2.8), with a mean percent decrease of 46.3 (SD: 40.6) (paired t -test, P = .017). The mean pain disability index decreased from 43.0 (SD: 7.5) to 25.8 (SD: 16.8), with a mean percent decrease of 39.3 (SD: 41.6) ( P = .034). Numeric rating scale scores decreased from a mean of 7.2 (SD: 1.8) to 4.0 (SD: 2.8), with a mean percent decrease of 42.8 (SD: 37.8) ( P = .024). Patients with predominantly intermittent pain or with allodynia responded better than patients with continuous pain or without allodynia, respectively. Some patients decreased medication use. Resting-state functional connectivity changes were noted, from disruption of the DMN at baseline to reactivation of connectivity between DMN nodes at 3 months. CONCLUSION MRgFUS CLT is feasible and safe for refractory NP and has potential utility in reducing symptoms as measured by validated pain scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul-Kareem Ahmed
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Jiachen Zhuo
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Rao P Gullapalli
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Li Jiang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Michael L Keaser
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Joel D Greenspan
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
- Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Chixiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
- Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Timothy R Miller
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Elias R Melhem
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Charles A Sansur
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Howard M Eisenberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
| | - Dheeraj Gandhi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore , Maryland , USA
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Antoniou A, Damianou C. Feasibility of Ultrasonic Heating through Skull Phantom Using Single-element Transducer. J Med Ultrasound 2024; 32:32-40. [PMID: 38665339 PMCID: PMC11040484 DOI: 10.4103/jmu.jmu_3_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Noninvasive neurosurgery has become possible through the use of transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS). This study assessed the heating ability of single element spherically focused transducers operating at 0.4 and 1.1 MHz through three-dimensional (3D) printed thermoplastic skull phantoms. Methods Phantoms with precise skull bone geometry of a male patient were 3D printed using common thermoplastic materials following segmentation on a computed tomography head scan image. The brain tissue was mimicked by an agar-based gel phantom developed in-house. The selection of phantom materials was mainly based on transmission-through attenuation measurements. Phantom sonications were performed through water, and then, with the skull phantoms intervening the beam path. In each case, thermometry was performed at the focal spot using thermocouples. Results The focal temperature change in the presence of the skull phantoms was reduced to less than 20 % of that recorded in free field when using the 0.4 MHz transducer, whereas the 1.1 MHz trans-skull sonication produced minimal or no change in focal temperature. The 0.4 MHz transducer showed better performance in trans-skull transmission but still not efficient. Conclusion The inability of both tested single element transducers to steer the beam through the high attenuating skull phantoms and raise the temperature at the focus was confirmed, underlying the necessity to use a correction technique to compensate for energy losses, such those provided by phased arrays. The proposed phantom could be used as a cost-effective and ergonomic tool for trans-skull FUS preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Antoniou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Christakis Damianou
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering and Informatics, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
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Botticella A, Dhermain F. Combination of radiosurgery and immunotherapy in brain metastases: balance between efficacy and toxicities. Curr Opin Neurol 2023; 36:587-591. [PMID: 37865858 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The incidence of brain metastasis is high and still increasing. Among local therapies, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an effective treatment option, optimally sparing normal brain, even for multiple brain metastases. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) become the new standard of care in an increasing number of cancers, and the combination SRS and ICI is often proposed to patients, but few data have been published on the efficacy and the toxicity of this association. RECENT FINDINGS Explaining this lack of consensus: retrospective studies with different primary cancers, various treatment lines and unknown levels of steroid exposure. Concerning the toxicity, the independent association of radionecrosis with brain-PTV volume was confirmed, and a decreased dose of SRS is now tested in a randomized study. Finally, a 'concurrent' delivery of SRS and ICI (within a 4 weeks' interval) seems the optimal schedule; fractionated radiosurgery for large brain metastasis should be favored. Radio-sensitizing nanoparticles and devices aiming to increase the permeability of the blood brain barrier should be considered in future combinations. SUMMARY The efficacy/toxicity balance of SRS-ICI combination should be regularly re-evaluated, anticipating continued progress in ICI and SRS delivery, with more long-survivors potentially exposed to long-term toxicities. Patients should be included in clinical trials and clearly informed to participate more closely in the final choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Botticella
- Department of Radiation Oncology, International Center for Thoracic Cancers (CICT), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
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Stamp MEM, Halwes M, Nisbet D, Collins DJ. Breaking barriers: exploring mechanisms behind opening the blood-brain barrier. Fluids Barriers CNS 2023; 20:87. [PMID: 38017530 PMCID: PMC10683235 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-023-00489-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a selectively permeable membrane that separates the bloodstream from the brain. While useful for protecting neural tissue from harmful substances, brain-related diseases are difficult to treat due to this barrier, as it also limits the efficacy of drug delivery. To address this, promising new approaches for enhancing drug delivery are based on disrupting the BBB using physical means, including optical/photothermal therapy, electrical stimulation, and acoustic/mechanical stimulation. These physical mechanisms can temporarily and locally open the BBB, allowing drugs and other substances to enter. Focused ultrasound is particularly promising, with the ability to focus energies to targeted, deep-brain regions. In this review, we examine recent advances in physical approaches for temporary BBB disruption, describing their underlying mechanisms as well as evaluating the utility of these physical approaches with regard to their potential risks and limitations. While these methods have demonstrated efficacy in disrupting the BBB, their safety, comparative efficacy, and practicality for clinical use remain an ongoing topic of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie E M Stamp
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Michael Halwes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Nisbet
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David J Collins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Graeme Clark Institute for Biomedical Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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Shin DH, Son S, Kim EY. Low-Energy Transcranial Navigation-Guided Focused Ultrasound for Neuropathic Pain: An Exploratory Study. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1433. [PMID: 37891801 PMCID: PMC10605299 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromodulation using high-energy focused ultrasound (FUS) has recently been developed for various neurological disorders, including tremors, epilepsy, and neuropathic pain. We investigated the safety and efficacy of low-energy FUS for patients with chronic neuropathic pain. We conducted a prospective single-arm trial with 3-month follow-up using new transcranial, navigation-guided, focused ultrasound (tcNgFUS) technology to stimulate the anterior cingulate cortex. Eleven patients underwent FUS with a frequency of 250 kHz and spatial-peak temporal-average intensity of 0.72 W/cm2. A clinical survey based on the visual analog scale of pain and a brief pain inventory (BPI) was performed during the study period. The average age was 60.55 ± 13.18 years-old with a male-to-female ratio of 6:5. The median current pain decreased from 10.0 to 7.0 (p = 0.021), median average pain decreased from 8.5 to 6.0 (p = 0.027), and median maximum pain decreased from 10.0 to 8.0 (p = 0.008) at 4 weeks after treatment. Additionally, the sum of daily life interference based on BPI was improved from 59.00 ± 11.66 to 51.91 ± 9.18 (p = 0.021). There were no side effects such as burns, headaches, or seizures, and no significant changes in follow-up brain magnetic resonance imaging. Low-energy tcNgFUS could be a safe and noninvasive neuromodulation technique for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Shin
- Department of Neurology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea;
| | - Seong Son
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun Young Kim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon 21565, Republic of Korea;
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Sigona MK, Manuel TJ, Anthony Phipps M, Boroujeni KB, Treuting RL, Womelsdorf T, Caskey CF. Generating Patient-Specific Acoustic Simulations for Transcranial Focused Ultrasound Procedures Based on Optical Tracking Information. IEEE OPEN JOURNAL OF ULTRASONICS, FERROELECTRICS, AND FREQUENCY CONTROL 2023; 3:146-156. [PMID: 38222464 PMCID: PMC10785958 DOI: 10.1109/ojuffc.2023.3318560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Optical tracking is a real-time transducer positioning method for transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) procedures, but the predicted focus from optical tracking typically does not incorporate subject-specific skull information. Acoustic simulations can estimate the pressure field when propagating through the cranium but rely on accurately replicating the positioning of the transducer and skull in a simulated space. Here, we develop and characterize the accuracy of a workflow that creates simulation grids based on optical tracking information in a neuronavigated phantom with and without transmission through an ex vivo skull cap. The software pipeline could replicate the geometry of the tFUS procedure within the limits of the optical tracking system (transcranial target registration error (TRE): 3.9 ± 0.7 mm). The simulated focus and the free-field focus predicted by optical tracking had low Euclidean distance errors of 0.5±0.1 and 1.2±0.4 mm for phantom and skull cap, respectively, and some skull-specific effects were captured by the simulation. However, the TRE of simulation informed by optical tracking was 4.6±0.2, which is as large or greater than the focal spot size used by many tFUS systems. By updating the position of the transducer using the original TRE offset, we reduced the simulated TRE to 1.1 ± 0.4 mm. Our study describes a software pipeline for treatment planning, evaluates its accuracy, and demonstrates an approach using MR-acoustic radiation force imaging as a method to improve dosimetry. Overall, our software pipeline helps estimate acoustic exposure, and our study highlights the need for image feedback to increase the accuracy of tFUS dosimetry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Sigona
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Thomas J Manuel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - M Anthony Phipps
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | | | - Robert Louie Treuting
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
| | - Thilo Womelsdorf
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
| | - Charles F Caskey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
- Vanderbilt University Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37212, USA
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Liu H, Sigona MK, Manuel TJ, Chen LM, Dawant BM, Caskey CF. Evaluation of synthetically generated computed tomography for use in transcranial focused ultrasound procedures. J Med Imaging (Bellingham) 2023; 10:055001. [PMID: 37744953 PMCID: PMC10514703 DOI: 10.1117/1.jmi.10.5.055001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) is a therapeutic ultrasound method that focuses sound through the skull to a small region noninvasively and often under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guidance. CT imaging is used to estimate the acoustic properties that vary between individual skulls to enable effective focusing during tFUS procedures, exposing patients to potentially harmful radiation. A method to estimate acoustic parameters in the skull without the need for CT is desirable. Approach We synthesized CT images from routinely acquired T1-weighted MRI using a 3D patch-based conditional generative adversarial network and evaluated the performance of synthesized CT (sCT) images for treatment planning with tFUS. We compared the performance of sCT with real CT (rCT) images for tFUS planning using Kranion and simulations using the acoustic toolbox, k-Wave. Simulations were performed for 3 tFUS scenarios: (1) no aberration correction, (2) correction with phases calculated from Kranion, and (3) phase shifts calculated from time reversal. Results From Kranion, the skull density ratio, skull thickness, and number of active elements between rCT and sCT had Pearson's correlation coefficients of 0.94, 0.92, and 0.98, respectively. Among 20 targets, differences in simulated peak pressure between rCT and sCT were largest without phase correction (12.4 % ± 8.1 % ) and smallest with Kranion phases (7.3 % ± 6.0 % ). The distance between peak focal locations between rCT and sCT was < 1.3 mm for all simulation cases. Conclusions Real and synthetically generated skulls had comparable image similarity, skull measurements, and acoustic simulation metrics. Our work demonstrated similar results for 10 testing cases comparing MR-sCTs and rCTs for tFUS planning. Source code and a docker image with the trained model are available at https://github.com/han-liu/SynCT_TcMRgFUS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Liu
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Computer Science, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Michelle K. Sigona
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt University, Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Thomas J. Manuel
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt University, Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Li Min Chen
- Vanderbilt University, Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Benoit M. Dawant
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
| | - Charles F. Caskey
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt University, Institute of Imaging Science, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Nashville, Tennessee, United States
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Xu L, Gong Y, Chien CY, Leuthardt E, Chen H. Transcranial focused ultrasound-induced blood‒brain barrier opening in mice without shaving hairs. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13500. [PMID: 37598243 PMCID: PMC10439893 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40598-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acoustic coupling through hairs remains a challenge to performing transcranial-focused ultrasound procedures. Here, we demonstrated that this challenge could be addressed by using oil as the coupling medium, leveraging oil's high affinity to hairs due to their inherent hydrophobicity. We compared focused ultrasound-induced blood-brain barrier opening (FUS-BBBO) outcomes in mice under three coupling conditions: oil with hairs ("oil + hairs"), ultrasound gel with hair shaving ("ultrasound gel + no hair"), and ultrasound gel with hairs ("ultrasound gel + hairs"). The quality of the coupling was evaluated by [Formula: see text]-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and passive cavitation detection (PCD). The outcome of FUS-BBBO was assessed by MRI contrast agent extravasation using in vivo [Formula: see text]-weighted contrast-enhanced MRI. It was also evaluated by ex vivo fluorescence imaging of the mouse brain after intravenous injection of a model drug, Evans blue. The results showed that "oil + hairs" consistently achieved high-quality acoustic coupling without trapping air bubbles. The FUS-BBBO outcome was not significantly different between the "oil + hairs" and the "ultrasound gel + no hair" groups. These two groups had significantly higher levels of BBB opening than the "ultrasound gel + hairs" group. This study demonstrated that oil could be a coupling medium for transcranial FUS procedures without shaving hairs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Yan Gong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Chih-Yen Chien
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Eric Leuthardt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
- Center for Innovation in Neuroscience and Technology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, Saint Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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10
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Allen SP, Fergusson A, Edsall C, Chen S, Moore D, Vlaisavljevich E, Davis RM, Meyer CH. Iron-based coupling media for MRI-guided ultrasound surgery. Med Phys 2022; 49:7373-7383. [PMID: 36156266 PMCID: PMC9946126 DOI: 10.1002/mp.15979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE In this study, we examine the effects of a recently developed, iron-based coupling medium (IBCM) on guidance magnetic resonance (MR) scans during transcranial, magnetic-resonance-guided, focused ultrasound surgery (tMRgFUS) procedures. More specifically, this study tests the hypotheses that the use of the IBCM will (a) not adversely affect image quality, (b) remove aliasing from small field-of-view scans, and (c) decouple image quality from the motion state of the coupling fluid. METHODS An IBCM, whose chemical synthesis and characterization are reported elsewhere, was used as a coupling medium during tMRgFUS procedures on gel phantoms. Guidance magnetization-prepared rapid-gradient-echo (MP-RAGE), TSE, and GRE scans were acquired with fields of view of 28 and 18 cm. Experiments were repeated with the IBCM in several distinct flow states. GRE scans were used to estimate temperature time courses as a gel target was insonated. IBCM performance was measured by computing (i) the root mean square difference (RMSD) of TSE and GRE pixel values acquired using water and the IBCM, relative to the use of water; (ii) through-time temperature uncertainty for GRE scans; and (iii) Bland-Altman analysis of the temperature time courses. Finally, guidance TSE and GRE scans of a human volunteer were acquired during a separate sham tMRgFUS procedure. As a control, all experiments were repeated using a water coupling medium. RESULTS Use of the IBCM reduced RMSD in TSE scans by a factor of 4 or more for all fields of view and nonstationary motion states, but did not reduce RMSD estimates in MP-RAGE scans. With the coupling media in a stationary state, the IBCM altered estimates of temperature uncertainty relative to the use of water by less than 0.2°C. However, with a high flow state, the IBCM reduced temperature uncertainties by the statistically significant amounts (at the 0.01 level) of 0.5°C (28 cm field of view) and 5°C (18 cm field of view). Bland-Altman analyses found a 0.1°C ± 0.5°C difference between temperature estimates acquired using water and the IBCM as coupling media. Finally, scans of a human volunteer using the IBCM indicate more conspicuous grey/white matter contrast, a reduction in aliasing, and a less than 0.2°C change in temperature uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS The use of an IBCM during tMRgFUS procedures does not adversely affect image quality for TSE and GRE scans, can decouple image quality from the motion state of the coupling fluid, and can remove aliasing from scans where the field of view is set to be much smaller than the spatial extent of the coupling fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven P Allen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah, USA
| | - Austin Fergusson
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Connor Edsall
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Sheng Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - David Moore
- The Focused Ultrasound Foundation, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Eli Vlaisavljevich
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Richey M Davis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA
| | - Craig H Meyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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11
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Update in the clinical application of focused ultrasound. Curr Opin Neurol 2022; 35:525-535. [PMID: 35788096 DOI: 10.1097/wco.0000000000001073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To review the most recent evidence about the clinical applicability of transcranial MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS), including clinical evidence and indications, recent technical developments for its use and future prospects. RECENT FINDINGS Unilateral MRgFUS thalamotomy for both essential and parkinsonian tremors is an approved and well established therapy. Recent studies have focused on its long-term safety and efficacy as well as technical advances for refining the approach. Moreover, ultrasound has expanded its application in Parkinson's disease, with clinical trials successfully targeting other brain regions like the subthalamic nucleus, the globus pallidus and the pallidothalamic tract, providing benefits for features that thalamotomy neglects. New indications, such as focal dystonia or neuropsychiatric conditions (namely obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression) have also been explored, with encouraging preliminary results. Finally, the application of ultrasound in low-intensity modality allows other approaches like focal blood-brain barrier opening and neuromodulation, which promise to be highly relevant in translational research. SUMMARY MRgFUS is a growing emergent technique. Its application in clinical routine is becoming widely accepted as a therapeutic option. Novel approaches and new potential applications are anticipated.
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Darmani G, Bergmann T, Butts Pauly K, Caskey C, de Lecea L, Fomenko A, Fouragnan E, Legon W, Murphy K, Nandi T, Phipps M, Pinton G, Ramezanpour H, Sallet J, Yaakub S, Yoo S, Chen R. Non-invasive transcranial ultrasound stimulation for neuromodulation. Clin Neurophysiol 2022; 135:51-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2021.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Schoen S, Kilinc MS, Lee H, Guo Y, Degertekin FL, Woodworth GF, Arvanitis C. Towards controlled drug delivery in brain tumors with microbubble-enhanced focused ultrasound. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 180:114043. [PMID: 34801617 PMCID: PMC8724442 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.114043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Brain tumors are particularly challenging malignancies, due to their location in a structurally and functionally distinct part of the human body - the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS is separated and protected by a unique system of brain and blood vessel cells which together prevent most bloodborne therapeutics from entering the brain tumor microenvironment (TME). Recently, great strides have been made through microbubble (MB) ultrasound contrast agents in conjunction with ultrasound energy to locally increase the permeability of brain vessels and modulate the brain TME. As we elaborate in this review, this physical method can effectively deliver a wide range of anticancer agents, including chemotherapeutics, antibodies, and nanoparticle drug conjugates across a range of preclinical brain tumors, including high grade glioma (glioblastoma), diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas, and brain metastasis. Moreover, recent evidence suggests that this technology can promote the effective delivery of novel immunotherapeutic agents, including immune check-point inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T cells, among others. With early clinical studies demonstrating safety, and several Phase I/II trials testing the preclinical findings underway, this technology is making firm steps towards shaping the future treatments of primary and metastatic brain cancer. By elaborating on its key components, including ultrasound systems and MB technology, along with methods for closed-loop spatial and temporal control of MB activity, we highlight how this technology can be tuned to enable new, personalized treatment strategies for primary brain malignancies and brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Schoen
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - M. Sait Kilinc
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Hohyun Lee
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Yutong Guo
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - F. Levent Degertekin
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Graeme F. Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA,Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, College Park, MD 20742, USA,Fischell Department of Bioengineering A. James Clarke School of Engineering, University of Maryland
| | - Costas Arvanitis
- Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA,Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
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Qiao Y, Li Y, Leng Q, Zhou H, Long X, Lee J, Chen Y, Liu X, Zheng H, Zou C. Highly accelerated magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging for in vivo transcranial ultrasound focus localization: A comparison of three reconstruction methods. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 34:e4598. [PMID: 34396597 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance acoustic radiation force imaging (MR-ARFI) is a promising tool for transcranial neurosurgery planning and monitoring. However, the ultrasound dose during ARFI is quite high due to the high intensity required and the repetitive ultrasound sonication. To reduce the ultrasound deposition and prevent unwanted neurological effects, undersampling in k-space data acquisition is adopted in the current study. Three reconstruction methods, keyhole, k-space hybrid and temporal differences (TED) compressed sensing, the latter two of which were initially proposed for MR thermometry, were applied to the in vivo transcranial focus localization based on MR-ARFI data in a retrospective way. The accuracies of the three methods were compared with the results from the fully sampled data as reference. The results showed that the keyhole method tended to smooth the displacement map and underestimate the peak displacement. The K-space hybrid method was better at recovering the displacement map and was robust to the undersampling pattern, while the TED method was more time efficient under a higher image resolution. For an image of a lower resolution, the K-space hybrid and TED methods were comparable in terms of accuracy when a high undersampling rate was applied. The results reported here facilitate the choice of appropriate undersampled reconstruction methods in transcranial focal localization based on MR-ARFI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangzi Qiao
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanbin Li
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Qingpu Leng
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhou
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojing Long
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jo Lee
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yadong Chen
- College of Medicine and Biological Information Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hairong Zheng
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zou
- Paul C Lauterbur Research Center for Biomedical Imaging, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Farace P, Tamburin S. Combining Low-Dose Radiation Therapy and Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound to Reduce Amyloid-β Deposition in Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:69-72. [PMID: 34487049 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β deposition is one of the neuropathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but pharmacological strategies toward its reduction are poorly effective.Preclinical studies indicate that low-dose radiation therapy (LD-RT) may reduce brain amyloid-β. Animal models and proof-of-concept preliminary data in humans have shown that magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) can reversibly open the blood-brain-barrier and facilitate the delivery of targeted therapeutics to the hippocampus, to reduce amyloid-β and promote neurogenesis in AD. Ongoing clinical trials on AD are exploring whole-brain LD-RT, which may damage radio-sensitive structures, i.e., hippocampus and white matter, thus contributing to reduced neurogenesis and radiation-induced cognitive decline. However, selective irradiation of cortical amyloid-β plaques through advanced LD-RT techniques might spare the hippocampus and white matter. We propose combined use of advanced LD-RT and targeted drug delivery through MRgFUS for future clinical trials to reduce amyloid-β deposition in AD since its preclinical stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Farace
- Protontherapy Unit, Hospital of Trento, Azienda Provinciale per i Servizi Sanitari (APSS), Trento, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine & Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.,Verona University Hospital, Verona, Italy
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Zhang M, Rodrigues A, Zhou Q, Li G. Focused ultrasound: growth potential and future directions in neurosurgery. J Neurooncol 2021; 156:23-32. [PMID: 34410576 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-021-03820-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, vast improvements in focused ultrasound (FUS) technology have made the therapy an exciting addition to the neurosurgical armamentarium. In this time period, FUS has gained US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for the treatment of two neurological disorders, and ongoing efforts seek to expand the lesion profile that is amenable to ultrasonic intervention. In the following review, we highlight future applications for FUS therapy and compare its potential role against established technologies, including deep brain stimulation and stereotactic radiosurgery. Particular attention is paid to tissue ablation, blood-brain-barrier opening, and gene therapy. We also address technical and infrastructural challenges involved with FUS use and summarize the hurdles that must be overcome before FUS becomes widely accepted in the neurosurgical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA. .,Center for Academic Medicine, Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, MC 5327, 453 Quarry Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA.
| | - Adrian Rodrigues
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Quan Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gordon Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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Ahmed N, Gandhi D, Melhem ER, Frenkel V. MRI Guided Focused Ultrasound-Mediated Delivery of Therapeutic Cells to the Brain: A Review of the State-of-the-Art Methodology and Future Applications. Front Neurol 2021; 12:669449. [PMID: 34220679 PMCID: PMC8248790 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.669449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cell and immune cell therapies are being investigated as a potential therapeutic modality for CNS disorders, performing functions such as targeted drug or growth factor delivery, tumor cell destruction, or inflammatory regulation. Despite promising preclinical studies, delivery routes for maximizing cell engraftment, such as stereotactic or intrathecal injection, are invasive and carry risks of hemorrhage and infection. Recent developments in MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology have significant implications for treating focal CNS pathologies including neurodegenerative, vascular and malignant processes. MRgFUS is currently employed in the clinic for treating essential tremor and Parkinson's Disease by producing precise, incisionless, transcranial lesions. This non-invasive technology can also be modified for non-destructive applications to safely and transiently open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to deliver a range of therapeutics, including cells. This review is meant to familiarize the neuro-interventionalist with this topic and discusses the use of MRgFUS for facilitating cellular delivery to the brain. A detailed and comprehensive description is provided on routes of cell administration, imaging strategies for targeting and tracking cellular delivery and engraftment, biophysical mechanisms of BBB enhanced permeability, supportive proof-of-concept studies, and potential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabid Ahmed
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Dheeraj Gandhi
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Elias R Melhem
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Victor Frenkel
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, and Department of Neuroradiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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