Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 28, 2025
Tumor Treating Field Therapy in Combination with Bevacizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent Glioblastoma
Published on: October 27, 2014
Novel ablation methods for treatment of gliomas
Brittanie Partridge1, John H Rossmeisl1, Alexandra M Kaloss2
1Veterinary and Comparative Neuro-oncology Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
Abstract:
Primary brain tumors are among the deadliest cancers that remain highly incurable. A need exists for new approaches to tumor therapy that can circumvent the blood brain barrier (BBB), target highly resistant tumors and cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) as well create an anti-cancer immunomodulatory environment. Successful treatments may also require a combinatory approach utilizing surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and novel ablation strategies that can both eliminate the bulk tumor and prevent any potential residual CSCs from propagating in the resected tissue. A number of thermal and non-thermal ablation methods have been developed and tested, which have gained much enthusiasm for the treatment of brain tumors. Here we review the most common primary brain tumors and the candidate ablation methods for targeting the tumor and its microenvironment.
Insights
New brain tumor therapies are needed to overcome the blood-brain barrier and target resistant cancer stem cells. Ablation strategies combined with surgery and chemotherapy show promise for treating primary brain tumors.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Cancer Therapy
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Primary brain tumors represent a significant unmet medical need due to their high incurability.
- Current treatments face challenges including the blood-brain barrier (BBB), tumor resistance, and cancer stem-like cells (CSCs).
- A combination approach involving surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, and novel ablation strategies is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common primary brain tumors.
- To explore candidate ablation methods for targeting brain tumors and their microenvironment.
- To highlight the need for innovative therapeutic strategies against primary brain tumors.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on primary brain tumors.
- Analysis of thermal and non-thermal ablation techniques for brain tumor treatment.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor and its microenvironment.
Main Results:
- Primary brain tumors are highly lethal and difficult to treat.
- Ablation methods, both thermal and non-thermal, are gaining traction for brain tumor therapy.
- Circumventing the BBB and targeting CSCs are key challenges in brain tumor treatment.
Conclusions:
- Novel therapeutic approaches are essential for overcoming primary brain tumor challenges.
- Ablation strategies offer promising avenues for targeting brain tumors and their microenvironment.
- Combined therapeutic modalities are likely necessary for successful primary brain tumor treatment.
