Neuromodulation via Focal Radiation: Radiomodulation Update
M Bret Schneider1,2, Brian Walcott3,4, John R Adler5
1Chief Medical Officer, Zap Surgical Systems, Inc., San Carlos, USA.
Cureus
|April 30, 2021
Summary
Altering neural activity with focused, sub-ablative radiation, known as radiomodulation, offers a potential non-invasive brain therapy. This review explores radiation effects, basic science, and clinical research supporting this durable neuromodulation approach.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
Background:
- Focal delivery of sub-ablative radiation doses can alter neural activity.
- This targeted approach is termed
Purpose of the Study:
- Review radiation-induced effects on brain tissue.
- Summarize basic science and clinical research supporting the radiomodulation hypothesis.
- Define optimal parameters for radiomodulation, including dose, volume, and anatomical targeting.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of radiation effects on brain tissue.
- Analysis of basic science research supporting radiomodulation.
- Examination of clinical studies investigating radiomodulation parameters.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests radiation can modulate neural activity at specific brain circuit nodes or connections.
- Progress has been made in defining key parameters like radiation dose, treatment volume, and precise anatomical location for effective radiomodulation.
- The reviewed research supports the feasibility of radiomodulation as a therapeutic strategy.
Conclusions:
- Radiomodulation presents a promising avenue for non-invasive, non-destructive, and durable neuromodulation.
- Further research into optimal parameters is crucial for clinical translation.
- This approach holds potential for therapeutic applications in neurological disorders.
