Past, present and future of Focused Ultrasound as an adjunct or complement to DIPG/DMG therapy: A consensus of the 2021 FUSF DIPG meeting

Abstract

Diffuse Midline Glioma (DMG) is a type of brain tumor that mainly affects children and has limited treatment options and a poor prognosis. One of the major obstacles to treating DMG is the blood-brain barrier, which prevents most drugs from reaching the tumor. Focused Ultrasound (FUS) is a noninvasive medical technology that has been shown to temporarily and safely disrupt the blood-brain barrier. This technique is being studied in combination with chemotherapy in preclinical DMG models and is now being investigated in clinical trials for the treatment of pediatric brain tumors. This study also examines other potential uses of FUS, such as sonodynamic therapy and radiation sensitization, which could be developed into future therapies for DMG. The study is based on a workshop held by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and summarizes the current state of the field of focused ultrasound for DMG, including preclinical, technical, and clinical summaries and recommendations for future research.