Using ultrasound to improve drug delivery for brain cancer treatment
Blood-brain barrier disruption with implantable ultrasound to enhance paclitaxel delivery: A Phase 1-2 clinical trial in recurrent glioblastoma
This study is testing a new way to help deliver a brain cancer drug more effectively by using ultrasound technology to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, and it's for patients with recurrent glioblastoma who haven't had success with standard treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10877196 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance the delivery of paclitaxel, a potent drug for treating recurrent glioblastoma, by temporarily disrupting the blood-brain barrier using implanted ultrasound technology. The study involves the use of an ultrasound device that is implanted into a skull window, allowing for targeted drug delivery directly to the brain. By combining this technique with intravenous microbubbles, the researchers aim to improve drug penetration in the brain tissue, which is crucial for effectively treating brain tumors. The research is designed to assess the safety and efficacy of this method in patients who have not responded to traditional therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma who have not responded to standard treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not eligible for surgery may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with recurrent glioblastoma by enhancing the effectiveness of paclitaxel therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with ultrasound-mediated blood-brain barrier disruption, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sonabend, Adam M — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Sonabend, Adam M
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.