Brain tumor was prevented: Cancer cells were suppressed

In the experimental method, in which sound waves and nanotechnology were used together, genes that triggered tumor growth by crossing the blood-brain barrier were targeted.

BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER HAS BEEN BROUGHT

Glioblastoma is among the most difficult types of cancer to treat due to its rapid progression and spread to healthy brain tissue. The blood-brain barrier, one of the biggest obstacles in treatment, makes it difficult for chemotherapy drugs to reach the brain tissue. University of Virginia School of Medicine Oncology Specialist Dr. Roger Abounader and his team managed to temporarily break this barrier with focused sound waves. MicroRNA molecules delivered to the tumor site via nanotechnological carriers suppressed the genes that enable cancer cells to grow and spread.

Abounader explained that the method, in which sound waves, nanotechnology and microRNA are used together, targets multiple critical genes simultaneously and significantly slows down the progression of the tumor. Having achieved positive results in animal models, the research team is preparing to start clinical trials in humans. The method has not yet been proven on humans.