Blood-brain barrier opening in Alzheimer's disease using MR-guided focused ultrasound.

ABSTRACT: Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound in combination with intravenously injected microbubbles has been shown to transiently open the blood-brain barrier, and reduce beta-amyloid and tau pathology in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Here, we used focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier in five patients with early to moderate Alzheimer's disease in a phase I safety trial. In all patients, the blood-brain barrier within the target volume was safely, reversibly, and repeatedly opened. Opening the blood-brain barrier did not result in serious clinical or radiographic adverse events, as well as no clinically significant worsening on cognitive scores at three months compared to baseline. Beta-amyloid levels were measured before treatment using [18F]-florbetaben PET to confirm amyloid deposition at the target site. Exploratory analysis suggested no group-wise changes in amyloid post-sonication. The results of this safety and feasibility study support the continued investigation of focused ultrasound as a potential novel treatment and delivery strategy for patients with Alzheimer's disease.

SUBMITTER: Lipsman N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6060168 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature