Using ultrasound to deliver cancer drugs directly to liver tumors

Drug-Loaded Nanobubbles for Ultrasound Enhanced Delivery to Colon Cancer Liver Metastasis

NIH-funded research Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10696225

This study is testing a new way to deliver chemotherapy directly to liver tumors in patients with advanced colorectal cancer using tiny bubbles that can be activated by sound waves, which could help make the treatment more effective and reduce side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionCase Western Reserve University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cleveland, United States)
Project IDNIH-10696225 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing drug-loaded nanobubbles that can be activated by ultrasound to enhance the delivery of chemotherapy directly to liver metastases from colorectal cancer. By utilizing ultrasound technology, the researchers aim to improve drug concentration at the tumor site while minimizing systemic toxicity. The approach involves injecting these nanobubbles into the bloodstream, where they can be targeted and activated in real-time, potentially leading to more effective treatment outcomes for patients with advanced cancer. The study aims to address the limitations of current chemotherapy methods, which often result in low drug uptake and significant side effects.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who have developed liver metastases and are seeking more effective treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those without liver metastases may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment efficacy for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, potentially extending survival and enhancing quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using ultrasound for targeted drug delivery, indicating that this approach could be a viable and innovative treatment strategy.

Where this research is happening

Cleveland, 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 AgentsCancer DrugNeoplastic Disease Chemotherapeutic Agentsanti-cancer druganticancer agent
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.