Motexafin gadolinium: a novel radiosensitizer for brain tumors

For a variety of reasons, the management of brain tumors, both primary and metastatic, remains a considerable challenge. As most systemic therapies do not cross the BBB at therapeutic doses, radiation and surgery have played primary roles in the management of these diseases. Despite significant advances in surgical techniques and radiation delivery, outcomes for most adult brain tumors continue to be poor. In an effort to enhance the effects of radiation in the brain, a variety of radiation sensitizers, including motexafin gadolinium, have been investigated. In the following manuscript, we summarize motexafin gadolinium and its role in brain tumors.