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Updated: Oct 2, 2026

Systemic and Local Drug Delivery for Treating Diseases of the Central Nervous System in Rodent Models
11:51

Systemic and Local Drug Delivery for Treating Diseases of the Central Nervous System in Rodent Models

Published on: August 16, 2010

Drug delivery to tumors of the central nervous system

M S Lesniak1, R Langer, H Brem

  • 1Departments of Neurological Surgery and Oncology, Johns Hopkins Hospital, Hunterian 817, 725 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports
|March 20, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Delivering drugs to brain tumors is challenging due to natural barriers. Biodegradable polymers offer a promising method for targeted chemotherapy delivery against malignant gliomas.

Area of Science:

  • Neuro-oncology
  • Biomaterials Science
  • Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

  • Malignant brain tumors present significant challenges in treatment due to difficulties in drug delivery across physiological barriers like the blood-brain barrier.
  • Limited efficacy of conventional chemotherapy necessitates exploration of alternative treatment strategies that can bypass or disrupt these barriers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing and emerging methods for drug delivery to central nervous system tumors.
  • To highlight the role of biodegradable polymers in delivering chemotherapeutic agents, particularly for malignant gliomas.
  • To discuss the integration of non-chemotherapeutic agents and future biotechnological advancements in brain tumor treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on historical and current drug delivery techniques for central nervous system tumors.
  • Emphasis on biodegradable polymer-based systems for controlled release of therapeutic agents.
  • Exploration of novel drug types including antiangiogenesis and immunotherapeutic agents within polymer matrices.

Main Results:

  • Biodegradable polymers demonstrate significant potential for localized and sustained release of chemotherapeutic agents directly to malignant gliomas.
  • Polymer technology facilitates the co-delivery of diverse therapeutic agents, including non-chemotherapeutic options, enhancing treatment versatility.
  • Emerging biotechnologies are paving the way for innovative drug delivery solutions for brain tumors.

Conclusions:

  • Biodegradable polymers represent a key advancement in overcoming drug delivery challenges for malignant brain tumors.
  • Targeted delivery systems are crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes in neuro-oncology.
  • Future research in biotechnology holds promise for revolutionary approaches to brain tumor treatment.

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