Inside Pediatrics Spring/Summer 2024

Intranasal delivery enables the liposome-encapsulated drug to enter the brain through specific neural pathways that bypass the blood-brain barrier. The liposome carrier protects the therapeutic drug as it passes through nasal membranes; when it gets into the brain, the liposome opens to disperse the drug. “Using

this method, the drug can be delivered quickly to target areas,” Hashizume said. This research is generously supported by a grant from the Prayers From Maria Children’s Glioma Cancer Foundation and by Hyundai Hope on Wheels.

“Using this method, the drug can be delivered quickly to target areas.” RINTARO HASHIZUME, M.D., PH.D.

While emphasizing the importance of mechanistic research, Hashizume acknowledges the urgency of translating discoveries into clinical applications. He envisions intranasal delivery becoming a feasible option for clinical trials, stressing the need for a swift transition from preclinical studies to clinical trials, especially considering the critical nature of pediatric brain tumors. “I think we’ll need a combination treatment approach using radiation, since that’s a current standard therapy in DIPG that can help provide transient relief from the disease,” Hashizume said. “Clinical trials are needed to discover how we can enhance the radiation’s effect in combination with the intranasally delivered drug.”

Hashizume’s dedication to pediatric brain tumors spans more than 15 years. Originally a physician-scientist in Japan, he transitioned to the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) with a focus on adult brain tumors. However, a pivotal moment led him to shift his research focus exclusively to pediatric neuro-oncology. The catalyst for this change was his long-standing connection with Girish Dhall, M.D., director of the Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation at Children’s of Alabama, who played a crucial role in recruiting him to the hospital. With the support of organizations such as the Pediatric Brain Tumor Consortium, Hashizume aims to accelerate the translation of research into clinical practice. As research progresses, the potential for new, effective treatments for these devastating tumors becomes increasingly tangible. ●

Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Prayers From Maria Foundation.

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