Noninvasive treatment for enlarged prostate tissue
Official title: Noninvasive histotripsy ablation of fibrotic tissue in benign prostatic hyperplasia
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10652668 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, gentle ultrasound treatment called histotripsy to help break down tough tissue in the prostate that causes urinary problems for older men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), aiming to make treatment easier and quicker without the need for surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $601,721 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK119310-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10652668 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men experiencing moderate to severe urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with severe prostate enlargement requiring immediate surgical intervention may not benefit from this noninvasive approach.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new noninvasive technique called histotripsy, which uses focused ultrasound to break down fibrotic tissue in the prostate caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common condition in older men that leads to uncomfortable urinary symptoms. The goal is to provide an effective treatment option that minimizes the need for invasive surgeries, thereby reducing recovery time and complications. Patients will be monitored for improvements in urinary flow and overall quality of life as part of the treatment process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a safer and less invasive treatment option for men suffering from urinary symptoms due to BPH.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using histotripsy for various medical conditions, indicating potential for success in treating BPH.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schade, George R — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Schade, George R
Related research
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This study tests whether adding tadalafil to tamsulosin helps men with BPH see better urinary symptoms and quality of life, using two tadalafil doses over 12 weeks.
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This study tests whether adding tadalafil to tamsulosin helps men with a first episode of acute urinary retention due to enlarged prostate pass urine without needing a catheter.
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.