Non-invasive histotripsy ultrasound for pancreatic cancer
Deploying Histotripsy Based Tumor Ablation Strategies to Treat Pancreatic Cancer
This project explores whether a precise, non-invasive ultrasound method called histotripsy can destroy pancreatic tumors and trigger immune responses against cancer.
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 ID | NIH-11296876 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using animal models (mice and a novel pig model) to refine histotripsy, a focused ultrasound technique that mechanically breaks apart tumor tissue without heat or radiation. They will test how well the method destroys tumors close to critical organs and collect safety and dosing information. The team will also study whether histotripsy stimulates the immune system to shrink untreated metastatic tumors. The data are intended to support future human clinical trials for pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant is preclinical and does not enroll patients now, but future human trials would likely include people with localized pancreatic tumors that are hard to remove surgically.
Not a fit: Patients with widespread metastatic disease or those seeking immediate treatment should not expect direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a non-surgical way to destroy pancreatic tumors with less damage to nearby organs and potentially boost anti-cancer immunity.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical histotripsy studies have shown promising tumor destruction and immune effects in animal models, but clinical evidence in pancreatic cancer remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Blacksburg, United States
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ — Blacksburg, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Irving C — Virginia Polytechnic Inst and St Univ
- Study coordinator: Allen, Irving C
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.