Focused transrectal ultrasound to target prostate cancer
Transrectal Histotripsy for Focal Ablation of Prostate Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-11193861
This uses a focused ultrasound method called boiling histotripsy to mechanically destroy prostate tumors while protecting nearby urinary, bowel, and sexual structures in men with localized prostate cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11193861 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
You would be offered a focal treatment that delivers very short, high-intensity ultrasound pulses through the rectum to mechanically break up tumor tissue into tiny debris without relying on heat. The team has built a preclinical prototype and uses real-time ultrasound imaging to guide and monitor the treatment for precise targeting. The approach aims to spare the urinary sphincter, rectum, and neurovascular bundles to reduce urinary, bowel, and sexual side effects compared with whole-gland treatments. Work in this project focuses on refining the device and methods and moving toward tests that could include human patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Men with localized, organ-confined prostate cancer who want a focal approach to treat a specific tumor while preserving urinary and sexual function are the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Men with metastatic, multifocal, or very high-risk prostate cancer who need whole-gland or systemic treatments would likely not benefit from this focal technique.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide a focal prostate cancer treatment that removes tumors with fewer urinary, bowel, and sexual side effects than radical whole-gland therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Thermal HIFU has been used clinically but shows variable cancer control with positive biopsies reported in up to 30–40% of patients early on, while boiling histotripsy is a newer mechanical-ablation method with promising preclinical results but limited human trial data so far.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SCHADE, GEORGE R — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: SCHADE, GEORGE R
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 below.
Conditions: Cancer Control, Cancer Control Science, Cancers