Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have developed an AI-guided technique that maps the full blood supply of malignant brain tumors, enabling physicians to deliver targeted therapy more precisely than standard single-artery approaches.
The technique, presented at the Society of NeuroInterventional Surgery’s 23rd Annual Meeting, uses AI to identify all blood vessels feeding a tumor before treatment. Physicians then deliver a tailored amount of therapy through each artery based on the blood volume it supplies to the tumor.
In a study of three patients with malignant brain tumors, the multi-pedicle approach covered more than 85% of each tumor, compared to less than 65% coverage with traditional single-artery infusion. The procedure was also found to be safely repeatable after two weeks.
“One of the biggest challenges in treating malignant brain tumors is that every patient’s anatomy is different,” said Dr. Christopher Young, the study’s lead author. “AI gives us another tool to personalize treatment based on each patient’s unique blood supply, with the goal of delivering therapy more precisely.”
The researchers noted that additional studies will be needed to determine whether improved tumor coverage translates to better patient outcomes.
