Glioblastoma remains notoriously difficult to cure because the protective blood-brain barrier blocks most medications, while cancer cells aggressively infiltrate surrounding healthy brain tissue. To overcome this obstacle, a team led by Roger Abounader used magnetic resonance imaging-guided ultrasound alongside microbubbles to create a temporary opening for therapeutic nanoparticles. These delivered microRNAs then work by suppressing multiple tumor-driving genes simultaneously, including targets that current drugs cannot reach. Laboratory and animal models demonstrated that the strategy slows tumor progression and prolongs survival, laying the groundwork for eventual human clinical trials.
Key points
Standard treatments struggle against glioblastoma because the blood-brain barrier prevent…: Standard treatments struggle against glioblastoma because the blood-brain barrier prevents conventional cancer drugs from entering the brain.
The experimental therapy simultaneously shuts down multiple cancer-driving genes that can…: The experimental therapy simultaneously shuts down multiple cancer-driving genes that cannot be targeted with existing medications.
Researchers plan to advance the nanoparticle and ultrasound platform toward human clinica…: Researchers plan to advance the nanoparticle and ultrasound platform toward human clinical trials for glioblastoma and other brain tumors.
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- Date:
- November 1, 2026
- Source:
- University of Virginia Health System
- Summary:
- Scientists at the University of Virginia have developed a promising new strategy to fight glioblastoma, one of the deadliest and most difficult-to-treat forms of brain cancer. Their experimental approach combines focused ultrasound, tiny nanoparticles, and genetic molecules called microRNAs to attack multiple cancer-driving genes simultaneously.
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Scientists at the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center have developed a promising experimental strategy for treating glioblastoma, the most common and aggressive malignant brain tumor in adults. The new approach could help overcome some of the biggest obstacles that have limited the effectiveness of existing brain cancer treatments.
The research team, led by UVA's Roger Abounader, MD, PhD, identified tiny genetic molecules known as "microRNAs" that can interfere with several genes responsible for the development and growth of glioblastoma. To deliver these molecules into the brain, the researchers combined specialized nanoparticles, focused ultrasound and microscopic bubbles. Together, these technologies offer a way to temporarily cross the brain's protective barrier, which normally prevents many treatments from…
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