Becca Valle's Glioblastoma Diagnosis

Becca Valle experienced severe headaches in September 2021, leading to a hospital visit where a brain tumor was identified. Following an exploratory craniotomy and subsequent removal, the tumor was diagnosed as glioblastoma.

The Challenges of Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma presents significant challenges in treatment due to the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that restricts medication entry into the brain. Most glioblastomas cannot be fully removed surgically. Even with complete removal, patients undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

According to the University of Texas' MD Anderson Cancer Center, approximately 10% of glioblastoma patients survive more than five years post-diagnosis.

Clinical Trial Participation

Valle enrolled in a clinical trial investigating the effects of temporarily opening the blood-brain barrier. Dr. Graeme Woodworth, lead researcher and chief of neurosurgery at the University of Maryland Medical Center, hypothesized that focused ultrasound could safely open this barrier, potentially increasing the effectiveness of systemically administered chemotherapy.

Understanding the Method

The method utilizes sound waves from the ultrasound interacting with circulating microbubbles. This interaction causes the bubbles to expand and oscillate, leading to a temporary