Title:Nanotechnology Applications for Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma
Volume: 15
Issue: 1
Author(s): Amy Lee Bredlau, Suraj Dixit, Chao Chen and Ann-Marie Broome
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Brainstem glioma, DIPG, drug delivery, liposome, micelle, nanoparticle, pons, theranostics.
Abstract: Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are invariably fatal tumors
found in the pons of elementary school aged children. These tumors are grade II-IV
gliomas, with a median survival of less than 1 year from diagnosis when treated with
standard of care (SOC) therapy. Nanotechnology may offer therapeutic options for
the treatment of DIPGs. Multiple nanoparticle formulations are currently being
investigated for the treatment of DIPGs. Nanoparticles based upon stable elements,
polymer nanoparticles, and organic nanoparticles are under development for the
treatment of brain tumors, including DIPGs. Targeting of nanoparticles is now
possible as delivery techniques that address the difficulty in crossing the blood brain
barrier (BBB) are developed. Theranostic nanoparticles, a combination of therapeutics
and diagnostic nanoparticles, improve imaging of the cancerous tissue while delivering
therapy to the local region. However, additional time and attention should be directed to developing a
nanoparticle delivery system for treatment of the uniformly fatal pediatric disease of DIPG.
