An implantable ultrasound-powered device for the treatment of brain cancer using electromagnetic fields

Comparative analysis of non-invasive and invasive alternating electric fields therapy for malignant gliomas: a simulation study

Alternating electric fields (AEFs) at intermediate frequencies (100-300 kHz) and low intensities (1-3 V/cm) have shown promise as an effective approach for inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. However, a noticeable research gap exists in comparing the biophysical properties of invasive and non-invasive AEFs methods, and AEFs delivery strategies require further improvement. In this study, we constructed a realistic head model to simulate the effects of non-invasive and invasive AEFs on malignant gliomas. Additionally, a novel method was proposed involving the placement of a return electrode under the scalp. We simulated the electric field and temperature distributions in the brain tissue for each method. Our results underscore the advantages of invasive AEFs, showcasing their superior tumor-targeting abilities and reduced energy requirements. The analysis of brain tissue temperature changes reveals that non-invasive AEFs primarily generate heat at the scalp level, whereas invasive methods localize heat production within the tumor itself, thereby preserving surrounding healthy brain tissue. Our proposed invasive AEFs method also shows potential for selective electric field intervention. In conclusion, invasive AEFs demonstrate potential for precise and effective tumor treatment. Its enhanced targeting capabilities and limited impact on healthy tissue make it a promising avenue for further research in the realm of cancer treatment.

Implantable, Biodegradable, and Wireless Triboelectric Devices for Cancer Therapy through Disrupting Microtubule and Actins Dynamics

Electric-field-based stimulation is emerging as a new cancer therapeutic modality through interfering with cell mitosis. To address its limitations of complicated wire connections, bulky devices, and coarse spatial resolution, an improved and alternative method is proposed for wirelessly delivering electrical stimulation into tumor tissues through designing an implantable, biodegradable, and wirelessly controlled therapeutic triboelectric nanogenerator (ET-TENG). With the excitation of ultrasound (US) to the ET-TENG, the implanted ET-TENG can generate an alternating current voltage and concurrently release the loaded anti-mitotic drugs into tumor tissues, which synergistically disrupts the assembly of microtubules and filament actins, induces cell cycle arrest, and finally enhances cell death. With the assistance of US, the device can be completely degraded after the therapy, getting free of a secondary surgical extraction. The device can not only work around those unresectable tumors, but also provides a new application of wireless electric field in cancer therapy.

Soft Bioelectronics for Therapeutics

Soft bioelectronics play an increasingly crucial role in high-precision therapeutics due to their softness, biocompatibility, clinical accuracy, long-term stability, and patient-friendliness. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the latest representative therapeutic applications of advanced soft bioelectronics, ranging from wearable therapeutics for skin wounds, diabetes, ophthalmic diseases, muscle disorders, and other diseases to implantable therapeutics against complex diseases, such as cardiac arrhythmias, cancer, neurological diseases, and others. We also highlight key challenges and opportunities for future clinical translation and commercialization of soft therapeutic bioelectronics toward personalized medicine.

Medical Device Advances in the Treatment of Glioblastoma

Despite decades of research and the growing emergence of new treatment modalities, Glioblastoma (GBM) frustratingly remains an incurable brain cancer with largely stagnant 5-year survival outcomes of around 5%. Historically, a significant challenge has been the effective delivery of anti-cancer treatment. This review aims to summarize key innovations in the field of medical devices, developed either to improve the delivery of existing treatments, for example that of chemo-radiotherapy, or provide novel treatments using devices, such as sonodynamic therapy, thermotherapy and electric field therapy. It will highlight current as well as emerging device technologies, non-invasive versus invasive approaches, and by doing so provide a detailed summary of evidence from clinical studies and trials undertaken to date. Potential limitations and current challenges are discussed whilst also highlighting the exciting potential of this developing field. It is hoped that this review will serve as a useful primer for clinicians, scientists, and engineers in the field, united by a shared goal to translate medical device innovations to help improve treatment outcomes for patients with this devastating disease.