Using focused ultrasound to relieve pain in head and neck cancer patients
Transcranial Focused Ultrasound for Head and Neck Cancer Pain. A Pilot Study
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10242191 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elias, William Jeffrey — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Elias, William Jeffrey
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 below.