Focused ultrasound blood test to find brain tumor DNA
Official title: Focused ultrasound-enabled brain tumor liquid biopsy
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11324241 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project uses focused ultrasound to gently release tumor DNA into the bloodstream so adults with brain tumors can get a less invasive molecular blood test.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $570,704 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB030102-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324241 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) with a diagnosed or suspected primary brain tumor, such as glioblastoma, who can undergo focused ultrasound and blood draws are the most likely candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without brain tumors, those whose tumor location cannot be targeted by the ultrasound device, or those who cannot tolerate the procedure or blood draws may not benefit.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, clinicians place a focused ultrasound device over the area of your brain tumor to temporarily and safely open the blood–brain barrier so tumor DNA can enter the bloodstream. Small blood samples are then collected and analyzed for tumor-specific molecular markers to help diagnose or monitor the tumor. The team has tested the approach in mice and pigs and ran an initial human feasibility study, and this renewal will build and validate a next-generation, patient-friendly device called sonocap. The goal is to make the procedure easier to use in hospitals and to confirm it works reliably in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could allow noninvasive molecular diagnosis and better monitoring of brain tumors using a simple blood draw instead of repeat brain biopsies.
How similar studies have gone: Animal studies and an initial first-in-human feasibility study showed safety and the ability to detect tumor DNA, but broader clinical validation is still needed.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Hong — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Hong
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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.