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Intranasal Terpene Treatment for Glioblastoma: the Neuro-Oncological Potential of Perillyl Alcohol
Emirhan Harbi1, Erhan Yarar2, Christopher E Mason3
1Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Bahcesehir University, Istanbul, Turkey. emirhanharbi41@gmail.com.
Abstract:
Glioblastoma is the most aggressive and fatal primary brain tumor in adults, characterized by poor prognosis and limited treatment efficacy due to the impermeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and its treatment-resistant nature. This review aims to evaluate the potential of intranasal terpene treatment (ITT) as a novel and non-invasive strategy to bypass the BBB and improve glioblastoma treatment outcomes. A review of recent preclinical and clinical studies on intranasally administered compounds (especially terpenes such as Perillyl alcohol (POH)) is presented in terms of their molecular mechanisms, bioavailability, and clinical effects in the central nervous system (CNS).
Insights
Intranasal terpene treatment offers a promising, non-invasive method to bypass the blood-brain barrier for glioblastoma. This approach may enhance drug delivery and improve outcomes for this aggressive brain tumor.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Pharmacology
- Drug Delivery
Background:
- Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor with poor prognosis.
- Limited treatment efficacy is attributed to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and tumor resistance.
- Current therapies face challenges in effectively reaching the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intranasal terpene treatment (ITT) as a novel strategy for glioblastoma.
- To assess ITT's potential to non-invasively bypass the BBB.
- To review molecular mechanisms, bioavailability, and CNS effects of intranasal terpenes.
Main Methods:
- Review of preclinical and clinical studies on intranasal compounds.
- Focus on terpenes, particularly Perillyl alcohol (POH).
- Analysis of studies examining CNS penetration and therapeutic effects.
Main Results:
- Intranasal administration demonstrates potential for bypassing the BBB.
- Terpenes show promise for CNS drug delivery in glioblastoma models.
- Evidence suggests ITT can achieve therapeutic concentrations in the brain.
Conclusions:
- Intranasal terpene treatment is a viable non-invasive strategy for glioblastoma.
- ITT offers improved drug delivery across the BBB for CNS tumors.
- Further research into ITT holds potential for enhanced glioblastoma treatment outcomes.
