Using focused ultrasound to improve breast cancer treatment
Official title: Quantitative evaluation of focused ultrasound thermal therapy on immunogenic cell death in breast cancer
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10997423 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new, non-invasive treatment using focused ultrasound to help boost the immune system's fight against triple negative breast cancer, which could make immunotherapy work better for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | December 8, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $215,985 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286375-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10997423 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who have not responded adequately to conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer diagnoses or those with breast cancer types other than triple negative may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of focused ultrasound thermal therapy to enhance the immune response against triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). By inducing a specific type of cell death known as immunogenic cell death (ICD), the therapy aims to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy in patients with TNBC. The approach is non-invasive and seeks to target tumors while minimizing systemic side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy. Patients may benefit from a novel treatment option that could lead to better outcomes in managing their cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-toxic treatment option that enhances the immune response against breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using immunogenic cell death in combination with other therapies, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Payne, Allison — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Payne, Allison
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
A 3D ultrasound scanner to see early chemotherapy response in breast cancer
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method will be tested to see if it can quickly show whether breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy.
-
3D ultrasound method to see early breast cancer response to chemotherapy
A new 3D ultrasound imaging method is being tested to quickly tell if breast cancer is responding to chemotherapy, using a FDA-cleared scanner at an affordable cost.
-
3D ultrasound to detect early breast tumor response to chemotherapy
A 3D quantitative ultrasound scanner will be used to detect early changes in breast tumors during chemotherapy for people with breast cancer.
-
AI-guided ultrasound for smarter breast cancer screening
A new AI system helps decide when supplemental ultrasound is really needed for women with dense breasts, aiming to keep breast cancer detection high while reducing unnecessary tests.
-
Patient-specific MR-guided focused ultrasound for breast cancer treatment
A new non-invasive MRI-guided ultrasound system is being developed to treat early-stage breast cancer in a personalized way, aiming for effective tumor destruction with less pain and better comfort.
-
Breast cancer brain mets: guiding CAR T therapy with focused ultrasound
A new approach uses focused ultrasound guided by MRI to help CAR T cells target HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
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.