Cracking the Brain’s Security Gate: The Blood-Brain Barrier and Brain Cancer Treatment

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is designed to protect the brain—but in doing so, it also blocks many treatments from reaching tumor cells. UCSF neurosurgeon Jacob Young, MD, explains why the BBB poses such a challenge in brain tumor care, how researchers are finding new ways to bypass or temporarily open it, and what innovative clinical trials at UCSF are being offered to patients today. Moderated by Susan Chang, MD. 

Offered as part of the SF Brain Tumor Support Group and sponsored by the UCSF Sheri Sobrato Brain Cancer Survivorship Program. Recorded on November 5, 2025.