Periodic Reporting for period 1 - NanoBubbleBrain (Low frequency nanobubbles-enhanced noninvasive transcranial ultrasound for brain cancer therapy)
Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2025-03-31
Glioblastoma is one of the deadliest forms of brain cancer, with dismal survival rates and limited treatment options. The NanoBubbleBrain project seeks to revolutionize its treatment by developing a novel, noninvasive platform combining low-frequency ultrasound with nanobubbles. Unlike traditional microbubbles, which are too large to accumulate in tumors, nanobubbles can penetrate tumors and amplify therapeutic effects under low-frequency excitation. This platform enables safe blood-brain barrier opening for precise drug delivery and introduces nanobubble-mediated transcranial histotripsy—a low-energy ultrasound technique that mechanically ablates tumor cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. By reducing the energy required for standard ultrasound surgery by an order of magnitude, this approach aims to overcome current barriers in brain therapy and improve patient outcomes. The NanoBubbleBrain project also advances foundational knowledge of nanobubble oscillations, offering transformative potential for treating glioblastoma and other neurological diseases.
The NanoBubbleBrain project has developed a groundbreaking platform combining low-frequency ultrasound with nanobubbles to address the challenges of treating glioblastoma. Key achievements include the design and validation of stable, tumor-targeting nanobubbles; the establishment of a safe, reversible protocol for blood-brain barrier opening to enable precise delivery of therapeutic molecules; and the introduction of nanobubble-mediated transcranial histotripsy, a noninvasive tumor ablation technique that spares healthy tissue while significantly reducing energy requirements. Advanced imaging methods were also developed for real-time monitoring of nanobubble behavior and therapeutic effects, optimizing safety and efficacy. These advancements offer transformative potential for glioblastoma therapy and beyond.
The NanoBubbleBrain project has achieved transformative advancements in therapeutic ultrasound and nanomedicine, including the development of nanobubbles as effective agents for blood-brain barrier opening and tumor ablation. These innovations enable the precise delivery of large therapeutic molecules to brain tumors while significantly reducing the energy required for noninvasive ultrasound surgery. Advanced imaging techniques, such as three-dimensional passive acoustic mapping, ensure real-time monitoring and optimization of therapy. These breakthroughs pave the way for safer, more effective treatments for glioblastoma and other neurological conditions. To ensure further uptake and success, key steps include preclinical validation, securing funding for clinical trials, developing regulatory frameworks, and protecting intellectual property to support commercialization and broader adoption.