New ultrasound device helps powerful chemo reach deadly brain cancers, human trial shows

image shows a still from an animated video. The still shows a human brain and skull; a small, flat device implanted in the top of the skull emits a pulse of energy into the brain

The human brain is like a walled fortress: Nutrients, hormones and fuel are allowed to pass through its guarded gates, but pathogens and toxins are locked out. However, this barrier also blocks many drugs from reaching the brain, including potent chemotherapies that could help clear deadly cancers from the organ.

Now, scientists have shown that a new ultrasound device can temporarily open this "blood-brain barrier" in human cancer patients, allowing powerful chemotherapy to reach brain tumors.