Preclinical studies of histotripsy for intracranial tumors

TL;DR

Histotripsy, a noninvasive ultrasound technique, shows promise for treating intracranial tumors by precisely destroying tumor tissue with minimal damage to healthy areas.

Contribution

This paper reviews preclinical evidence demonstrating histotripsy's potential for treating intracranial tumors and its ability to open the blood–brain barrier.

Findings

Histotripsy enables precise mechanical ablation of intracranial tumors with minimal hemorrhage and collateral damage.

The technique can transiently open the blood–brain barrier, enhancing drug delivery potential.

MRI and acoustic cavitation signals can be used to monitor histotripsy treatment efficacy.

Abstract

The management of intracranial tumors, especially malignant or refractory types, remains a formidable clinical challenge due to the paucity of ideal therapeutic options. Histotripsy, an emerging ultrasound technology, presents a paradigm-shifting therapeutic avenue. As a noninvasive, nonthermal, and nonionizing ultrasonic tissue destruction technique, histotripsy has shown promising therapeutic effects in preclinical studies on intracranial tumors. Preclinical studies demonstrate the capability of histotripsy to achieve precise mechanical ablation of tumor tissue, concurrently minimizing hemorrhagic risk and collateral damage to surrounding healthy structures. Its efficacy can be monitored using MRI sequences or by leveraging the intrinsic acoustic cavitation emission signals. Beyond its direct ablative role, histotripsy can also enable the transient opening of the blood–brain barrier. Although histotripsy for the treatment of intracranial tumors is still in the preclinical research phase, with current studies focusing on validating its feasibility and safety, the available data have provided preliminary evidence of favorable therapeutic effects. Although challenges remain for its clinical translation, initial solutions have been proposed. Looking forward, with further research and technological optimization, histotripsy is expected to play a key role in the treatment of intracranial tumors and fully demonstrate its clinical application value.

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