A Comprehensive Review on Infusion-Based Targeted Drug Delivery in the Brain

Title: Insights into Infusion-Based Targeted Drug Delivery in the Brain: Perspectives, Challenges and Opportunities

Authors: Asad Jama, Tian Yuan, Stefano Galvan, Antonella Castellano, Marco Riva, Riccardo Secoli, Andrea Falini, Lorenzo Bello, Ferdinando Rodriguez y Baena & Daniele Dini

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063139

Fig: The CNS components that offer major resistance to drug flow and distribution.

Abstract:

Targeted drug delivery in the brain is instrumental in the treatment of lethal brain diseases, such as glioblastoma multiforme, the most aggressive primary central nervous system tumour in adults. Infusion-based drug delivery techniques, which directly administer to the tissue for local treatment, as in convection-enhanced delivery (CED), provide an important opportunity; however, poor understanding of the pressure-driven drug transport mechanisms in the brain has hindered its ultimate success in clinical applications. In this review, we focus on the biomechanical and biochemical aspects of infusion-based targeted drug delivery in the brain and look into the underlying molecular level mechanisms. We discuss recent advances and challenges in the complementary field of medical robotics and its use in targeted drug delivery in the brain. A critical overview of current research in these areas and their clinical implications is provided. This review delivers new ideas and perspectives for further studies of targeted drug delivery in the brain.