Russia Develops ‘Brain-on-a-Chip’ to Target Aggressive Brain Tumors

A new microfluidic technology developed in Russia may drastically increase the effectiveness of treating glioblastoma—one of the most aggressive brain tumors.

Researchers at Sechenov University have created a “brain-on-a-chip” microfluidic platform, opening new possibilities in treating glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive brain tumors known today.

Lab tests showed that combining the chemotherapy drug temozolomide with wireless optostimulation destroyed 95–98% of tumor cells—five times more effective than chemotherapy alone. In another test, scientists applied the technology to aggressive cell cultures taken directly from a patient. The combined treatment again demonstrated a significant boost in therapeutic efficacy.

While the approach is still in early stages, researchers believe the technology could be adapted to treat other types of brain cancer. Clinical use is on the horizon, pending further testing and refinement of the platform.