Using sound waves to improve cancer treatment for liver tumors
Official title: Acoustic Droplet Initiated Radiosensitivity of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Funded at Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-10815861 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to make radiation therapy work better for people with liver cancer by using ultrasound to help deliver treatment more effectively, which could lead to better results and longer periods without the cancer getting worse.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Thomas Jefferson University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $207,851 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA273838-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10815861 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma who are undergoing or considering radiation therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not candidates for radiation therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a common and aggressive liver cancer. The study utilizes ultrasound-triggered microbubble destruction to increase the sensitivity of tumors to radiation, potentially improving treatment outcomes. By employing smaller acoustic droplets, the research aims to enhance the delivery and efficacy of the therapy, which has shown promise in preliminary trials. Patients may benefit from improved tumor response rates and longer progression-free survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results using similar ultrasound techniques for enhancing cancer treatment, indicating a potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eisenbrey, John — Thomas Jefferson University
- Study coordinator: Eisenbrey, John
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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.