Abstract
BackgroundA new transcranial focused ultrasound device has been developed that can induce hyperthermia in a large tissue volume. The purpose of this work is to investigate theoretically how glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) can be effectively treated by combining the fast hyperthermia generated by this focused ultrasound device with external beam radiotherapy.Methods/DesignTo investigate the effect of tumor growth, we have developed a mathematical description of GBM proliferation and diffusion in the context of reaction–diffusion theory. In addition, we have formulated equations describing the impact of radiotherapy and heat on GBM in the reaction–diffusion equation, including tumor regrowth by stem cells. This formulation has been used to predict the effectiveness of the combination treatment for a realistic focused ultrasound heating scenario.Our results show that patient survival could be significantly improved by this combined treatment modality.DiscussionHigh priority should be given to experiments to validate the therapeutic benefit predicted by our model.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40349-016-0078-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
A new transcranial focused ultrasound device has been developed that can induce hyperthermia in a large tissue volume
High priority should be given to experiments to validate the therapeutic benefit predicted by our model
The main aim of this paper is to demonstrate theoretically, as a “proof of principle”, how the use of TcMRgFUS to generate “fast” hyperthermia (HT), combined with 6 weeks’ external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) therapy, could have resulted in a successful treatment of the whole tumor
Summary
A new transcranial focused ultrasound device has been developed that can induce hyperthermia in a large tissue volume. High-grade gliomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults, with an incidence of 3.1 per 100,000 person-years in USA and with a median survival time of 14.6 months after diagnosis [2] and 11.9 months after first resection [3]. Because of their invasive nature, GBMs recur in more than 90% of patients, generally centrally [4] even if marginal and distant failures are reported [5]. There is only a minimal increase in survival for severely increased toxicity [5, 9]
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