A new treatment for inoperable liver tumors using electrical pulses

Development of an INSPIRE System for the Treatment of Inoperable Liver Tumors

['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH · NIH-11065540

This study is testing a new, gentle treatment for people with liver tumors that can't be surgically removed, using tiny electrical pulses to target and destroy the tumor while protecting healthy tissue.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorNORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY RALEIGH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RALEIGH, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11065540 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a minimally invasive treatment called Integrated time nanosecond pulse irreversible electroporation (INSPIRE) for patients with inoperable liver tumors. The treatment involves inserting electrodes into the tumor and delivering ultrashort electrical pulses that disrupt the tumor cells, leading to cell death. The approach is designed to minimize damage to surrounding healthy tissues by using active temperature control during the procedure. The research aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of this innovative treatment through various experimental models.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with inoperable liver tumors who are seeking alternative treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with operable liver tumors or those who do not have liver tumors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with inoperable liver tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using electrical pulse therapies for tumor treatment, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

RALEIGH, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Animal Disease Models

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.