Using focused ultrasound to improve blood tests for brain tumors
Official title: Optimizing non-invasive focused ultrasound for brain tumor liquid biopsy in a rat glioma model - Phase I
Funded at Cordance Medical, INC. · NIH-11008268 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help brain cancer patients by using sound waves to safely open a barrier in the brain, making it easier to check for important markers in their blood without needing a surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cordance Medical, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mountain View, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,358 |
| NIH project number | 1R43CA295307-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008268 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with brain tumors who may benefit from less invasive diagnostic methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have brain tumors or those who are not eligible for liquid biopsy procedures may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method called the NeuroAccess system, which uses focused ultrasound and microbubbles to non-invasively open the blood-brain barrier. This allows important biomarkers, such as cell-free DNA, to enter the bloodstream, making it easier to perform liquid biopsies in brain cancer patients. The study aims to ensure the safety and effectiveness of this method by testing it in a rat model, focusing on optimizing the procedure and measuring biomarker levels. If successful, this approach could provide a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies for brain tumor patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective blood tests for diagnosing and monitoring brain tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using non-invasive techniques for liquid biopsies, but this specific approach is novel and untested in the context of brain tumors.
Where this research is happening
-
Cordance Medical, INC.
Mountain View, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ramamurthy, Bhaskar — Cordance Medical, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ramamurthy, Bhaskar
Related research
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Focused ultrasound blood test to find brain tumor DNA
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Noninvasive blood test for brain tumors using focused ultrasound
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Modulating deep brain activity with focused ultrasound for cocaine use disorder
A study will test whether targeting a deep brain region with focused ultrasound can alter brain signals related to craving in people with cocaine use disorder.
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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.