Applications of nanotechnology to imaging and therapy of brain tumors.
In the past decade, numerous advances in the understanding of brain tumor physiology, tumor imaging, and tumor therapy have been attained. In some cases, these advances have resulted from refinements of pre-existing technologies (eg, improvements of contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging). In other instances, advances have resulted from development of novel technologies. The development of nanomedicine (ie, applications of nanotechnology to the field of medicine) is an example of the latter. In this review, the authors explain the principles that underlay nanoparticle design and function as well as the means by which nanoparticles can be used for imaging and therapy of brain tumors.
Mohs
Aaron M
AM
Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, 101 Woodruff Circle Northeast, Suite 2007, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
Provenzale
James M
JM
D000818:Animals; D001812:Blood-Brain Barrier / Q000187:drug effects; D001921:Brain / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods*; D051381:Rats