NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using focused ultrasound to relieve pain in head and neck cancer patients

Official title: Transcranial Focused Ultrasound for Head and Neck Cancer Pain. A Pilot Study

Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10242191 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new way to help people with head and neck cancer feel less pain by using a special type of ultrasound that targets the brain, and it’s designed to be safe and easy without the usual side effects of pain meds or surgery.

More Head and Neck Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Virginia
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Charlottesville, United States)
Project startSeptember 30, 2019
Project endJune 30, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$336,278
NIH project number5UH3NS115118-03
Project IDNIH-10242191 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer who experience significant pain that is not adequately managed by current treatments.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have head and neck cancer or those whose pain is effectively managed by existing therapies may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) to alleviate pain in patients suffering from head and neck cancer. The approach involves delivering high-intensity ultrasound energy through the skull to target specific areas of the brain associated with pain perception. This non-invasive technique aims to provide effective pain relief without the cognitive side effects often associated with traditional pain medications or invasive surgical procedures. Patients will be monitored for pain relief and any potential side effects throughout the treatment process.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, non-invasive method for managing severe pain in head and neck cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research using focused ultrasound for other conditions has shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel application for cancer pain management.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Virginia
    Charlottesville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Elias, William Jeffrey — University of Virginia
  • Study coordinator: Elias, William Jeffrey

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.