Exploring new treatment methods for osteosarcoma using focused ultrasound
Official title: Investigating treatment strategies & clinical outcomes of histotripsy for complete ablation of osteosarcoma
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-10998439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship 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 | July 10, 2024 |
| Project end | July 9, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $43,782 |
| NIH project number | 1F31CA294976-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10998439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include dogs diagnosed with osteosarcoma who are eligible for treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of bone tumors or those who are not canine may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vickers, Elliana Rose — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Vickers, Elliana Rose
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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.