Implantable DBS Electrodes for Targeted Brain Tumor Electrotherapy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cancer treatments, particularly for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), are invasive and harmful to healthy brain tissue, with limited efficacy due to the invasiveness of tumors and the unique anatomy of the central nervous system, and existing external electrode therapies are limited by the dampening of electric fields through the skull and soft tissue.
Innovation Solution
A DBS system with implantable leads and a signal generator that delivers targeted electromagnetic fields directly to tumors, using customizable electrode configurations and stimulation settings to inhibit tumor cell growth processes, such as mitosis, immune suppression, and DNA replication, and can adjust parameters to counter tumor adaptation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external electrode therapy is applied to treat GBM, then cancer proliferation is reduced, but the strength of the electric field is dampened due to the skull and soft tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by placing electrodes directly on the tumor surface, eliminating the skull and soft tissue as intermediaries that dampen the electric field. This direct placement allows the electric field to reach the tumor cells with full strength without attenuation through bone and tissue layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from external application (outside the skull) to internal application (inside the skull, directly on tumor). This dimensional change from extracranial to intracranial placement eliminates the path length through the skull and soft tissue, restoring electric field strength at the tumor site.
2Reliability
If conventional cancer treatments (surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy) are applied, then tumor cells are attacked, but healthy brain tissue is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the electric field specifically to the tumor location through directly implanted electrodes. The field is localized to the tumor site rather than affecting the entire brain, thereby treating cancer cells while preserving healthy brain tissue from damaging effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes mechanical/invasive treatments (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy) with an electromagnetic field-based approach. The electric field penetrates cells and disrupts their function non-contactedly, avoiding the physical damage and toxicity associated with conventional mechanical and chemical treatments.
3Strength
If electrodes are placed close to the tumor, then the electric field strength is optimized, but the treatment becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the tumor itself as an intermediary guide for electrode placement. By placing electrodes on the tumor surface, the treatment leverages the tumor's own location and characteristics to achieve optimal field strength, rather than requiring deep penetration through healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary imaging and mapping to identify the exact tumor location and characteristics before electrode implantation. This preliminary characterization allows for precise electrode placement that optimizes field strength while minimizing invasiveness by targeting only the tumor site.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a minimally invasive treatment that is more effective than traditional methods, with reduced collateral damage to healthy tissue, and can adapt to the tumor's rapid adaptation by altering stimulation settings, effectively halting tumor growth.
Implementation Method 1
application of electric fields to the scalp has been used disrupt interactions among charged molecules, which reduces cancer proliferation
Implementation Method 2
Recent efforts have suggested that external electrode therapy can improve the prognosis of GBM patients
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for treating cancerous tumors (including glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)) with electrotherapy, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) technology, as disclosed herein. One or more configurations can be generated based on a patients tumor characteristics. The selected configurations can be electrode configurations or settings for an electrical source coupled to the electrodes. The one or more configurations can be targeted for inhibiting cell growth process, such as to inhibit mitosis, immune suppression, or to inhibit DNA replication. Inhibition of cell growth processes can initiate death of the cancerous cells.