Robotic ultrasound system to non-invasively remove soft tissue sarcoma
Official title: Ultrasound-guided robotic histotripsy array system for non-invasive precise and complete ablation of soft tissue sarcoma
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11308643 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A robotic ultrasound approach aims to precisely destroy soft tissue sarcoma tumors without open surgery for people with large or hard-to-reach tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $178,808 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EB035278-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11308643 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with localized soft tissue sarcoma—particularly large tumors or tumors close to nerves or blood vessels—who want alternatives to extensive surgery.
✕Less likely to help
People with widespread metastatic disease, tumors not accessible to focused ultrasound, or cancers other than soft tissue sarcoma are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
Doctors are developing a robot-controlled ultrasound method called histotripsy that uses focused sound waves to mechanically break up tumor tissue without heat or radiation. The system uses real-time imaging to steer and control tiny bubbles that selectively destroy tumor cells while preserving nearby nerves and blood vessels. The team plans hardware and software improvements to make rapid, whole-tumor treatments possible, building on proof-of-concept work in naturally occurring sarcomas in pet dogs. This phase of work focuses on device performance and safety data needed to move toward clinical testing in people.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could offer a non-invasive way to remove sarcoma tumors while preserving function and reducing the need for wide surgery, radiation, or debilitating treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Early preclinical and veterinary work, including partial ablation in pet dogs, showed promising safety and effectiveness, but complete tumor ablation in people has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Klahn, Shawna — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Klahn, Shawna
Related research
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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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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.