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Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology 3/2021

01-02-2021 | Glioblastoma | Topic Review

Convection-enhanced drug delivery for glioblastoma: a review

Authors: Randy S. D’Amico, Manish K. Aghi, Michael A. Vogelbaum, Jeffrey N. Bruce

Published in: Journal of Neuro-Oncology | Issue 3/2021

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Abstract

Introduction

Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a method of targeted, local drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) that bypasses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and permits the delivery of high-dose therapeutics to large volumes of interest while limiting associated systemic toxicities. Since its inception, CED has undergone considerable preclinical and clinical study as a safe method for treating glioblastoma (GBM). However, the heterogeneity of both, the surgical procedure and the mechanisms of action of the agents studied—combined with the additional costs of performing a trial evaluating CED—has limited the field’s ability to adequately assess the durability of any potential anti-tumor responses. As a result, the long-term efficacy of the agents studied to date remains difficult to assess.

Materials and methods

We searched PubMed using the phrase “convection-enhanced delivery and glioblastoma”. The references of significant systematic reviews were also reviewed for additional sources. Articles focusing on physiological and physical mechanisms of CED were included as well as technological CED advances.

Results

We review the history and principles of CED, procedural advancements and characteristics, and outcomes from key clinical trials, as well as discuss the potential future of this promising technique for the treatment of GBM.

Conclusion

While the long-term efficacy of the agents studied to date remains difficult to assess, CED remains a promising technique for the treatment of GBM.
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Metadata
Title
Convection-enhanced drug delivery for glioblastoma: a review
Authors
Randy S. D’Amico
Manish K. Aghi
Michael A. Vogelbaum
Jeffrey N. Bruce
Publication date
01-02-2021
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Journal of Neuro-Oncology / Issue 3/2021
Print ISSN: 0167-594X
Electronic ISSN: 1573-7373
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11060-020-03408-9

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