Low-intensity focused ultrasound is described as being used for neuromodulation and for blood-brain barrier opening. In the abstract, these uses are linked to enabling therapeutic molecules to enter the central nervous system.
First-pass extracted concept
low-intensity focused ultrasound
Candidate: concept label4 source documents6 linked claims
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Aliases
LIFU
Extracted Explainers
What the tool is doing
What problem it solves
It helps address central nervous system delivery barriers by allowing entry of therapeutic molecules. It is also positioned as a non-ablative focused-ultrasound modality relevant to disease modification.
It offers a possible non-open, non-radiation therapeutic option for epilepsy that may work through neuromodulation rather than only tissue ablation.
What it does not solve
Alternatives
The abstract contrasts this end of the spectrum with high-intensity focused ultrasound thermoablation and mentions deep brain stimulation as a related comparison context.
The abstract contrasts focused ultrasound broadly with open surgery and radiation exposure, but does not specify direct alternative neuromodulation platforms.
Evidence Snippets
This review examines the technical evolution of FUS and its expanded applications in GBM, including subtypes of low- and high-intensity FUS and their mechanistic contributions to therapeutic effect.
At the other end of the spectrum, low-intensity focused ultrasound has been demonstrated in both neuromodulation and blood-brain barrier opening to allow the entry of therapeutic molecules into the central nervous system.
Currently, FUS has been clinically applied for targeted brain ablation (high intensity [HIFU]) and neuromodulation (low intensity [LIFU])
Preliminary studies indicate ... potential neuromodulatory benefit and increased blood-brain barrier permeability of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).
Supporting Sources
Linked Claims
Low-intensity focused ultrasound has been demonstrated for neuromodulation and blood-brain barrier opening to allow therapeutic molecules to enter the central nervous system.
Focused ultrasound has already been clinically applied for targeted brain ablation using high-intensity focused ultrasound and for neuromodulation using low-intensity focused ultrasound, while sonogenetics and BBB-targeted drug delivery are presented as emerging translational opportunities.
Quoted textsource-backed
Currently, FUS has been clinically applied for targeted brain ablation (high intensity [HIFU]) and neuromodulation (low intensity [LIFU]), with recent basic science applications of sonogenetics and targeted drug delivery through the BBB (Precise Intracerebral Noninvasive Guided, or PING, Surgery) offering new opportunities for clinical translation.
Higher level evidence is needed to elucidate the efficacy of low-intensity and high-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of epilepsy.
Quoted textsource-backed
Higher level evidence is needed to elucidate the efficacy of LIFU and HIFU for the treatment of epilepsy.
For neuromodulatory focused ultrasound in epilepsy, the review identified 30 studies including preclinical studies, a clinical case report, clinical pilot studies, and ongoing Phase I-II trials.
Quoted textsource-backed
For neuromodulatory FUS, 30 studies were identified, of which 19 were preclinical studies, 1 was a clinical case report, 4 were clinical pilot studies, and 6 were ongoing Phase I-Phase II clinical trials.
Low-intensity focused ultrasound is associated with increased blood-brain barrier permeability in preliminary studies.
Quoted textsource-backed
Preliminary studies indicate ... increased blood-brain barrier permeability of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).
Preliminary studies indicate potential neuromodulatory benefit of low-intensity focused ultrasound for epilepsy.
Quoted textsource-backed
Preliminary studies indicate ... potential neuromodulatory benefit ... of low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU).