Wireless Power Transfer for Glioblastoma Photodynamic Therapy

Glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive type of brain cancer, has a dismal prognosis due to inevitable tumor recurrence after maximum treatment with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Recent advances in miniaturized, implantable wireless light delivery devices have demonstrated the potential of chronic treatment of subcutaneous tumors using photodynamic therapy - the selective activation of light-sensitive drugs (photosensitizers) with light to destroy cancer cells. Here we describe the design of a conformal wireless light-emitting mesh (1 cm diameter) to extend this treatment modality to the cortical surface of the brain. The device is wirelessly powered to enable noninvasive activation of intravenously-delivered photosensitizers for chronic treatment, and integrates multiple light-emitting diodes to illuminate large areas. We demonstrate implantation feasibility in rat brain and a light dosimetry control using a harmonic feedback technique. Deploying this device in vivo in combination with selective photosensitizer uptake may enable prolonged suppression of tumor recurrence and increased survival time.