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Key Points

Russian scientists have engineered a microfluidic device that replicates brain blood flow to test glioblastoma treatments. The breakthrough method uses red light to activate ion channels, dramatically improving drug delivery. Trials showed a 98% destruction rate of cancer cells, far surpassing conventional results. Researchers aim to expand the platform for hybrid therapies targeting other cancers.

Key Points: Russian Scientists Develop Light-Activated Glioblastoma Treatment Device

  • Device mimics brain blood flow to sustain glioblastoma cells for testing
  • Red light activates ion channels to enhance temozolomide drug penetration
  • Achieves 98% cancer cell destruction vs. standard treatment results
  • Platform adaptable for hybrid therapy research on other cancers
2 min read

Russian scientists create unique device for treatment of glioblastoma

Breakthrough microfluidic platform uses red light to boost drug effectiveness, destroying 98% of aggressive brain cancer cells in trials.

"Red light increases channel activity, accelerating drug concentration—we destroyed 98% of glioblastoma cells — Alexander Markov, Study Lead"

Moscow, July 28

Russian scientists have created a microfluidic platform that replicates blood flow in the brain. It is capable of supporting the vital activity of glioblastoma cells, one of the most aggressive forms of brain cancer that is difficult to treat.

The researchers found that the device, when exposed to red light, stimulates the activity of ion channels in cells and enhances the penetration of temozolomide, one of the main drugs for treating this tumour, into them. "Ion channels work like pumps -- they pull molecules into the cell. Temozolomide needs to get into the nucleus to destroy the cancer cell. Red light increases the opening and closing of channels, the concentration of the drug in the cell grows faster, and the cell dies. In the experiments, we managed to destroy up to 95-98 per cent of glioblastoma cells -- this is five times more than in control samples without stimulation," the head of the study, Associate Professor of the Institute of Bionic Technologies and Engineering Alexander Markov told Izvestia.

In the future, the researchers want to use the platform to select hybrid therapy for other forms of cancer.

Scientists from the Institute of Bionic Technologies and Engineering worked on the creation of the microfluidic platform together with the experimental biotherapy group of the Institute of Regenerative Medicine of Sechenov University. (ANI/Izvestia)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great innovation but I wonder about affordability. Most cancer treatments are already too expensive for common people in India. Will this be accessible to middle-class patients or only for the rich?
A
Arjun K
Russia and India have strong scientific ties. Our DRDO and CSIR should immediately initiate joint research projects on this. Brain cancer survival rates in India are shockingly low - we need such breakthroughs!
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Sarah B
The red light therapy aspect is fascinating! Reminds me of some Ayurvedic light treatments. Maybe there's potential to combine ancient Indian medicine with this modern technology for even better results?
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Vikram M
While promising, we should wait for human trials. Many lab successes fail in actual patients. Also, 95-98% sounds too good to be true - what about the remaining cancer cells? They can regrow. Need more data.
K
Kavya N
My mother is an oncologist in AIIMS. She says glioblastoma patients have very poor prognosis currently. If this works, it could extend life expectancy significantly. Hope Indian hospitals get this tech soon! 🤞
M
Michael C
The microfluidic platform sounds like a game-changer for personalized medicine. If they can adapt it for other cancers as mentioned, this could revolutionize

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