Exploring new treatment methods for osteosarcoma using focused ultrasound

Investigating treatment strategies & clinical outcomes of histotripsy for complete ablation of osteosarcoma

NIH-funded research Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10998439

This study is exploring a new way to treat osteosarcoma, a tough bone cancer, using a special ultrasound technique that breaks down tumors, and it's designed for dogs with this condition to help them have better treatment results and fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Blacksburg, United States)
Project IDNIH-10998439 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment for osteosarcoma, a serious bone cancer, using a technique called histotripsy, which employs high-pressure ultrasound to precisely liquefy tumor tissue. The study involves both laboratory experiments with canine tumors and clinical trials on dogs with spontaneous osteosarcoma, aiming to refine treatment parameters for effective tumor ablation. Patients may benefit from improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects compared to traditional methods. The research also includes training in advanced bioengineering and oncology techniques.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma who are eligible for treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of bone tumors or those who are not canine may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less invasive treatment options for osteosarcoma in both dogs and humans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using focused ultrasound for tumor ablation, indicating potential for success in this novel application.

Where this research is happening

Blacksburg, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.