Researchers report a diagnostic method that measures tumor-derived particles in blood to assess glioblastoma treatment. The approach builds on a trial that used the SonoCloud-9 device from Carthera in Lyon, France. That device uses therapeutic ultrasound to open the blood–brain barrier for about an hour so paclitaxel can enter the brain.
The Michigan team isolated extracellular vesicles and particles (EVPs) that come from cancer cells and carry tumor genetic material and proteins. They used a specific lipid common on exosome surfaces to capture these EVPs with a device called the GlioExoChip and turned plasma samples into a liquid biopsy.
The researchers counted tumor-derived EVPs before and after chemotherapy and calculated a post/pre ratio. An increasing ratio over treatment sessions was judged successful, while a flat or declining ratio was judged unsuccessful. The study appears in Nature Communications and lists authors from Northwestern Medicine and the University of Michigan.
Difficult words
- glioblastoma — a fast-growing cancer in the brain
- vesicle — a small sac that carries materialsvesicles
- exosome — a tiny particle released by cells
- lipid — a fatty molecule found in cells
- plasma — the liquid part of blood
- biopsy — a medical test of tissue or fluid
- blood–brain barrier — a protective barrier between blood and brain
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How could turning plasma samples into a liquid biopsy help patients with brain cancer?
- What are possible benefits and risks of opening the blood–brain barrier during treatment?
- Would you agree to a treatment that uses ultrasound to open the blood–brain barrier? Why or why not?
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