The brain has a protective layer called the "blood-brain" layer that protects from outside intruders, like bacteria and other blood related intruders. Unfortunately, this layer also prevents the medical administration of drugs and therapy agents from passing though. Startup company Prefusion Technology (PT) wants to try a decades old idea in a slightly new way. Ultrasound has been used before to effect the blood-brain layer enough to let it open a bit. In the past this was only done through specialized equipment focusing the wave that could only open a small area. PT is not going to try using low-intensity ultrasonic waved to open the entire surface of the brain.
For brain tumor patients, chemotherapy requires various drugs applied directly. Often in vary intrusive ways, such as infusion pumps or surgical implants. Al Kyle, president of Prefusion Technology, says his method is "a kinder and gentler way of delivering therapeutics to the brain." Kyle also believes that his method will help prevent the spread of tumors since it effects the whole brain at once.
Ultrasound treatments often induced bleeding in the past. But PT have performed 5 successful animal tests as of 4-28-2011. They hope to end the preclinical animal tests as of late 2011 and move on to human testing.
Eavesdropper
pic via Al Kyle of Prefusion Technology