Using ultrasound and microbubbles to improve drug delivery to brain tumors

TRANSCRANIAL FUS THERAPY WITH CLOSED-LOOP US IMAGE GUIDANCE AND CIRCULATING

NIH-funded research Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-10977875

This study is exploring how using ultrasound with tiny bubbles can help deliver medicine more effectively to the brain, which is important for treating brain tumors, and it aims to create a smart system that adjusts the treatment for better results while keeping you safe.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionGeorgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-10977875 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how ultrasound combined with circulating microbubbles can enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier, which is a significant challenge in treating brain tumors. By applying ultrasound, the microbubbles create mechanical stress in blood vessels, temporarily increasing the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and allowing for better drug accumulation in the brain. The study aims to develop a closed-loop system that can fine-tune the ultrasound parameters to optimize treatment while minimizing safety risks. This innovative approach could lead to more effective therapies for patients with brain tumors.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with brain tumors who require more effective treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to brain tumors or those who do not require drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of cancer treatments for brain tumors by enhancing drug delivery while reducing side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound and microbubbles for drug delivery, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Anti-Cancer Agentsanti-cancer drug
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 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.