Commercial INSPIRE pulse technology for treating inoperable tumors
Official title: Commercialization of Algorithmic Non-thermal Ablation Technology for the Treatment of Inoperable Tumors
Funded at Gradient Medical, INC. · NIH-11411434 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new non-thermal cancer treatment called INSPIRE uses ultra-short electrical pulses to kill tumor cells near delicate body structures, helping patients who can’t have surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Gradient Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 16, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,150,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R42CA275587-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411434 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with primary lung, liver, or pancreatic cancer who are not candidates for surgical resection and could benefit from non-thermal tumor ablation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors are easily resectable or those without tumors near critical structures may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to bring a novel, non-thermal ablation method from Gradient Medical to patients with hard-to-reach cancers. It focuses on developing a commercial INSPIRE pulse generator and advancing the technology for clinical use. If successful, it could broaden options for people whose tumors sit near vital organs or vessels and for whom surgery isn’t possible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with inoperable tumors could have a safer, non-surgical treatment option that preserves surrounding healthy tissue.
How similar studies have gone: Previous veterinary and large-animal studies show safety and feasibility of the INSPIRE approach, supporting translation to human use.
Where this research is happening
-
Gradient Medical, INC.
Raleigh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fong, Jordan — Gradient Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Fong, Jordan
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.