Improving drug delivery to brain tumors using focused ultrasound and vascular normalization
Official title: Augmenting focused ultrasound-mediated drug delivery to brain tumors with vascular normalization
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10933855 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help deliver cancer-fighting drugs more effectively to brain tumors by using focused ultrasound and tiny bubbles, which could make treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,294 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286367-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10933855 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain tumors who are seeking more effective treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with brain tumors that are not amenable to drug therapy or those who are not eligible for focused ultrasound treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents to brain tumors by using focused ultrasound in combination with microbubbles. The study aims to overcome the challenges posed by the blood-tumor barrier, which restricts effective drug penetration. By normalizing the tumor's blood vessels through a specific pharmacological intervention, the researchers hope to improve blood flow and reduce pressure within the tumor, thereby facilitating better drug delivery. Patients may benefit from this innovative method that seeks to make existing treatments more effective.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of drug treatments for patients with brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using focused ultrasound for drug delivery, but this specific combination with vascular normalization is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Richard J. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Price, Richard J.
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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.