| Popis: |
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a means of direct, homogeneous, targeted drug delivery to the central nervous system (CNS) while bypassing the blood-brain barrier. The therapeutic agent, infused via a catheter, is carried (convectus, latin) by continuous low-positive pressure bulk flow through the interstitial space. This method has proved to be a useful technique in preclinical studies for the directed, wide-spread distribution of a broad range of therapeutic agents. The success of these investigations has translated into a significant number of clinical trials which combine the use of CED and elegantly devised molecular strategies. Herein, we discuss the biophysical principles, properties and development of CED, shortcomings and challenges, as well review the most prominent clinical applications of convective delivery in the CNS. Further development of CED is ongoing, which will allow this technology to become a more effective therapeutic delivery technique and expand our armamentarium against brain tumors. |
