Handheld, image-guided histotripsy to precisely ablate thyroid tumors
Official title: Ultrasound-guided handheld histotripsy system for precise and tissue selective thyroid ablation
Funded at Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ · NIH-11447783 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tiny, handheld device uses sound waves to precisely destroy thyroid tumors without harming nearby nerves and vessels.
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 | August 19, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $563,970 |
| NIH project number | 1R01EB038261-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447783 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with thyroid tumors who are candidates for ablation and are at risk from traditional surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-thyroid cancers or tumors not suitable for histotripsy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to create a compact histotripsy system that can target thyroid tumors with high precision while sparing critical nearby structures. Researchers will develop and test a portable device guided by imaging to ablate tumor tissue non-thermally. The project involves preclinical work to demonstrate safety and effectiveness in selectively destroying thyroid tissue while preserving surrounding anatomy. If successful, this approach could reduce surgical risks and offer a noninvasive option for patients with thyroid cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have a safer, less invasive treatment option for thyroid tumors with fewer nerve and vessel injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Prior histotripsy work has shown tissue-selective ablation in soft tissue and blood vessel preservation in preclinical models.
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.