Non-invasive treatment for soft tissue sarcoma using ultrasound technology
Official title: Ultrasound-guided Ultra-steerable Histotripsy Array System for Non-invasive treatment of Soft Tissue Sarcoma
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11092722 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new ultrasound treatment that gently breaks down tough tumors in soft tissues, making it easier for patients with hard-to-reach sarcomas to manage their cancer without needing surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $560,081 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB034399-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092722 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with soft tissue sarcomas, particularly those with tumors that are challenging to surgically remove.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with soft tissue sarcomas that are already amenable to surgical resection may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new ultrasound-guided system that can non-invasively treat soft tissue sarcomas (STS), which are malignant tumors found in soft tissues. The approach utilizes histotripsy, a technique that uses ultrasound to liquefy tumor tissue without harming surrounding critical structures like nerves and blood vessels. By targeting the tumor directly, this method aims to shrink or debulk the cancer, potentially making surgery unnecessary or easier. The research is particularly relevant for patients whose tumors are difficult to remove surgically due to their location.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients with soft tissue sarcomas.
How similar studies have gone: While histotripsy has been explored for various tumor types, its application specifically for soft tissue sarcomas is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Zhen — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Xu, Zhen
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Ultra-steerable ultrasound therapy for soft tissue sarcoma
A new ultrasound device is being developed to non-invasively shrink or remove soft tissue sarcomas while protecting nearby nerves, blood vessels, and bones.
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This study is testing a new, gentle way to treat soft tissue sarcomas using focused ultrasound, which aims to destroy the tumors without harming nearby important structures, and it's designed to help improve the treatment experience and quality of life for patients like you.
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SPORE in Soft Tissue Sarcoma: targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients
A big research effort at a major cancer center aims to develop targeted treatments and biomarkers to improve outcomes for people with soft tissue sarcoma.
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This project combines an antibody that soaks up a tumor-made immune blocker with natural killer (NK) cell therapy to help dogs and, eventually, people with soft tissue sarcoma fight their tumors.
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Targeted treatments for soft tissue sarcoma
This project is testing targeted drugs and immunotherapies for people with soft tissue sarcoma, including adults and children.
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.