Sonodynamic therapy for recurrent glioblastoma using MRI-guided focused ultrasound and ALA
Official title: Sonodynamic therapy using MRI-guided focused ultrasound in combination with 5-aminolevulinic acid to treat recurrent glioblastoma multiforme
Funded at Sonalasense INC · NIH-11408427 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment combines a drug called 5-ALA with MRI-guided focused ultrasound to target recurrent glioblastoma tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sonalasense INC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Carlos, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $497,384 |
| NIH project number | 5R44CA275508-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11408427 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with recurrent glioblastoma who can undergo MRI-guided procedures and tolerate the 5-ALA protocol.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients may not respond to SDT or may have contraindications to MRI-guided procedures or 5-ALA.
What this research studies
This grant funds a non-invasive therapy that uses MRI-guided focused ultrasound after giving patients 5-ALA to activate a tumor-killing chemical. The approach has shown safety and tumor-killing activity in animal models and early human trials, and the team aims to build on that to help people with recurrent glioblastoma. The project will test how well this combination can reach and kill cancer cells with minimal heating of the brain and without surgery. If successful, it could offer a new option for patients who have limited treatments after recurrence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment that slows tumor growth and extends survival for people with recurrent glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in animals and a first-in-human trial suggest potential benefit, but further work is needed to confirm safety and effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Sonalasense INC
San Carlos, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcus, Stuart — Sonalasense INC
- Study coordinator: Marcus, Stuart
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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.