Developing a non-invasive treatment for bone tumors using ultrasound technology
Official title: Image-guided Histotripsy System for Complete, Uniform, and Non-Invasive Ablation of Heterogeneous Osteosarcoma Tumors
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11082420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ultrasound device that gently breaks down bone cancer tumors without surgery, making it a safer option for both kids and adults with osteosarcoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $632,450 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289288-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11082420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with osteosarcoma, both children and adults, who are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteosarcoma who have already undergone extensive treatment or those with tumors that are not suitable for ultrasound ablation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to create a new device that uses ultrasound to non-invasively treat osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer that affects both children and adults. The approach involves using histotripsy, which mechanically breaks down tumors into harmless debris while preserving surrounding healthy tissues. This method could potentially replace traditional surgeries, which often lead to complications and loss of mobility. The research focuses on optimizing treatment strategies to effectively target the diverse characteristics of osteosarcoma tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with osteosarcoma, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promising results for using histotripsy in treating tumors, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vlaisavljevich, Eli — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Vlaisavljevich, Eli
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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.