Non-invasive MR‑guided brain hyperthermia to boost brain cancer treatment
Official title: A non-invasive MR-compatible hyperthermia system for brain tumor treatment
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11448450 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new MR‑compatible device heats brain tumors non‑invasively to help radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy work better for brain cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $472,276 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA301206-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448450 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with high‑grade brain tumors who are candidates for adjuvant therapy and can undergo MR imaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients unable to undergo MR imaging or with conditions interfering with heating or device use may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops Halo, a wearable, MR‑guided hyperthermia system with an external 72‑antenna array to safely heat brain tumors to about 40–44°C for 60 minutes. It uses patient‑specific 3D treatment planning and real‑time MR thermometry to target tumors while protecting normal brain tissue. By increasing blood-brain barrier permeability and tumor perfusion, Halo aims to enhance drug delivery and amplify the effects of radiation and systemic therapies. The long‑term goal is to improve tumor control and survival while reducing radiation dose and toxicity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, Halo could make brain cancer treatments more effective and less toxic by enabling better drug delivery and allowing lower radiation doses.
How similar studies have gone: Past trials of interstitial hyperthermia showed improved survival, but noninvasive external approaches remain less common; this builds on prior positive results with focused heating.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rodrigues, Dario — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Rodrigues, Dario
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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.