Focused ultrasound therapy can treat cancer non-invasively and improve drug delivery, offering new options in areas of unmet need. We want to fund research into its use in low grade gliomas (grade 2), an underfunded type of cancerous brain tumour which develops into higher grade tumours over time.
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Low grade gliomas (grade 2) are cancerous brain tumours that grow slowly at first but invariably progress to high grade, fast growing tumours. It is impossible to predict a timescale or give an indication of risk, causing extreme anxiety to those affected. Like higher grade tumours, they are challenging to treat as it is difficult to get medicines to cross the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer of tightly packed cells that surround the brain. Current treatment options are severely limited.
Focused ultrasound technology can treat conditions without the need for incisions - particularly helpful in the brain. This preclinical research investigates its potential to improve the delivery of a range of already existing drugs by temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier to allow the medicine to reach and target low grade gliomas (grade 2). The aim is to create new avenues for human (clinical) research, ultimately halting the progression of lower grade tumours so they never become fatal.