Magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) is a re-emerging treatment modality for brain tumors where magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are locally delivered to the brain and then activated with an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) to generate localized heat at a site of interest. Due to the recent advancements in technology and theory surrounding the intervention, clinical and pre-clinical trials have demonstrated that MHT may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) for the treatment of brain tumors. The future clinical success of MHT relies heavily on designing MNPs optimized for both heating and imaging, developing reliable methods for the local delivery of MNPs, and designing AMF systems with integrated magnetic particle imaging (MPI) for use in humans. However, despite the progression of technological development, the clinical progress of MHT has been underwhelming. This review aims to summarize the current state-of-the-art of MHT and offers insight into the current barriers and potential solutions for moving MHT forward.

We present in vivo validation of an automated magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) device that uses real-time temperature input measured at the target to control tissue heating. MHT is a thermal therapy that uses heat generated by magnetic materials exposed to an alternating magnetic field. For temperature monitoring, we integrated a commercial fiber optic temperature probe containing four gallium arsenide (GaAs) temperature sensors. The controller device used temperature from the sensors as input to manage power to the magnetic field applicator. We developed a robust, multi-objective, proportional-integral-derivative (PID) algorithm to control the target thermal dose by modulating power delivered to the magnetic field applicator. The magnetic field applicator was a 20 cm diameter Maxwell-type induction coil powered by a 120 kW induction heating power supply operating at 160 kHz. Finite element (FE) simulations were performed to determine values of the PID gain factors prior to verification and validation trials. Ex vivo verification and validation were conducted in gel phantoms and sectioned bovine liver, respectively. In vivo validation of the controller was achieved in a canine research subject following infusion of magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) into the brain. In all cases, performance matched controller design criteria, while also achieving a thermal dose measured as cumulative equivalent minutes at 43 °C (CEM43) 60 ± 5 min within 30 min.

Chronic subdural hematoma is one of the most common neurosurgical pathologies with over 160,000 cases in the United States and Europe each year. The current standard of care involves surgically evacuating the hematoma through a cranial opening, however, varied patient risk profiles, a significant recurrence rate, and increasing financial burden have sparked innovation in the field. This mini-review provides a brief overview of currently used evacuation techniques, including emerging adjuncts such as endoscopic assistance and middle meningeal artery embolization. This review synthesizes the body of available evidence on efficacy and risk profiles for each critical aspect of surgical technique in cSDH evacuation and provides insight into trends in the field and promising new technologies.

Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common in osteoporotic patients, with a frequency projected to increase alongside a growing geriatric population. VCFs often result in debilitating back pain and decreased mobility. Cement augmentation, a minimally invasive surgical technique, is widely used to stabilize fractures and restore vertebral height. Acrylic-based cements and calcium phosphate cements are currently the two primary fill materials utilized for these procedures. Despite their effectiveness, acrylic bone cements and calcium phosphate cements have been associated with various intraoperative and postoperative incidents impacting VCF treatment. Over the past decade, discoveries in the field of biomedical engineering and material science have shown advancements toward addressing these limitations. This narrative review aims to assess the potential pitfalls and barriers of the various types of bone cements.

Background/Objectives: Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant central nervous system tumor, accounting for 50.9% of malignant CNS diagnoses and carrying a median survival of 15 months despite maximal standard therapy. High recurrence rates are driven by residual infiltrative tumor cells at the resection margin. Fluorescence-guided surgery (FGS) has emerged as a key innovation to improve intraoperative tumor visualization and maximize the extent of resection (EOR). This review examines the historical development, current clinical applications, and future directions of FGS in GBM surgery. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted, covering the evolution of fluorophores (fluorescein, indocyanine green [ICG], and 5-aminolevulinic acid [5-ALA]), visualization technologies (wide- and narrow-field modalities), therapeutic adjuncts (photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies), and clinical adoption patterns and outcomes. Results: Early intraoperative fluorescence using fluorescein dates to 1947. ICG angiography has broad surgical utility, while 5-ALA received FDA approval in 2017, with phase III trials demonstrating gross total resection rates of 65% versus 36% with white-light surgery. Adjunct technologies—3D exoscopes, FGS-compatible loupes, and quantitative spectroscopy probes—enhance detection of residual tumor. Preliminary studies of intraoperative photodynamic and sonodynamic therapies show feasibility and potential survival benefits. Global adoption of 5-ALA FGS exceeds 75% among surveyed neurosurgeons. Conclusions: FGS significantly improves EOR in GBM surgery, translating into better patient outcomes. Ongoing clinical trials and technological refinements—novel fluorophores, quantitative imaging, and therapeutic applications—promise to further optimize tumor visualization and treatment.

Magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT) is a promising treatment modality for brain tumors using magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) locally delivered to the tumor and activated with an external alternating magnetic field (AMF) to generate antitumor effects through localized heating. Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is an emerging technology offering strong signal-to-noise for nanoparticle localization. A scoping review was performed by systematically querying Pubmed, Scopus, and Embase. In total, 251 articles were returned, 12 included. Articles were analyzed for nanoparticle type used, MHT parameters, and MPI applications. Preliminary results show that MHT is an exciting treatment modality with unique advantages over current heat-based therapies for brain cancer. Effective application relies on the further development of unique magnetic nanoparticle constructs and imaging modalities, such as MPI, that can enable real-time MNP imaging for improved therapeutic outcomes.