convection-enhanced delivery
Also written as: CED — convection-enhanced delivery
A drug delivery technique using positive pressure to distribute therapeutics directly into brain tissue, bypassing the blood-brain barrier.
Full Definition
Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) is a novel drug delivery method that uses positive pressure to infuse therapeutic agents directly into brain tissue through stereotactically placed catheters. This technique bypasses the blood-brain barrier and achieves higher local drug concentrations while minimizing systemic toxicity. CED is particularly valuable for delivering large molecules, immunotherapies, or targeted toxins that cannot effectively cross the blood-brain barrier. The technique is being investigated for treating various brain tumors including glioblastoma.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as adjective; CED acceptable after first mention in technical documents.
In Context
- "The patient enrolled in a clinical trial using convection-enhanced delivery of targeted immunotherapy." — Clinical trial documentation
- "Convection-enhanced delivery achieved superior tumor penetration compared to systemic administration." — Research publication