Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Non-invasive treatment for soft tissue sarcoma using focused ultrasound

Official title: A Pilot Study in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation of Soft Tissue Sarcoma and Small Symptomatic Desmoid Tumours

Run by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust · NCT05111964 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new non-invasive ultrasound treatment for people with soft tissue sarcomas to see if it can safely shrink their tumors.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment10 (estimated)
SponsorOxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsimatinib, chemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Oxford, Oxfordshire)
StatusRecruiting
StartedDecember 10, 2021
Main results expectedDecember 10, 2026
Study endsDecember 10, 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 4, 2026
Trial IDNCT05111964 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with histologically-confirmed, HIFU-targetable soft tissue sarcomas measuring 1-5 cm.

Probably not a fit

Patients with non-resectable tumors or those with larger tumors (>5 cm) may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to treat soft tissue sarcomas, a rare but serious type of cancer. The study aims to evaluate the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of HIFU in patients with histologically-confirmed, targetable soft tissue sarcomas, particularly those with tumors sized between 1-5 cm. Participants will undergo HIFU ablation, along with tumor biopsies and blood tests, to assess the immune response and tumor destruction. The trial is conducted at the Oxford Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Service, a specialized center for sarcoma treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-invasive treatment option with fewer side effects and quicker recovery for patients with soft tissue sarcoma.

How similar studies have gone: While HIFU has shown promise in treating other cancer types, its application in soft tissue sarcoma is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

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The participant is eligible for the study if they are:

Willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.

Aged 18 years or above.

Diagnosed with histologically-confirmed and HIFU-targetable soft tissue sarcoma of several subtypes, including but not necessarily limited to:

* Malignant fibrous histiocytoma
* Undifferentiated (pleomorphic) sarcoma
* Fibrosarcoma and fibromyxoid sarcoma (fibroblastic sarcomas)
* Leiomyosarcoma
* Liposarcoma
* Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour
* Retroperitoneal sarcoma
* Rhabdomyosarcoma
* Synovial sarcoma
* Sacral chordoma (following amendment)
* Desmoid tumours (intra- or extra-abdominal, following amendment)

Have at least one of the following:

* Untreated or recurrent primary resectable STS tumour 1-5cm diameter, targetable by HIFU
* Infield recurrent primary resectable STS tumour of \>1cm diameter, targetable by HIFU
* Primary or metastatic STS unsuitable for resection or further chemo- or radiotherapy, targetable by HIFU
* Small (1-8cm) symptomatic intra- or extra-abdominal desmoid tumour, targetable by HIFU, which is not indicated for surgery (or patient has declined surgery)

Have life expectancy of over 12 months and a World Health Organisation (WHO) performance status of less than or equal to 1.

Be able to attend Churchill Hospital and Nuffield Orthopaedic Center, Oxford, potentially for multiple visits, and thus be based in the UK.

Willing to allow his or her GP and Consultant to be notified of participation in the study.

Able and willing to give written informed consent, indicating that they are aware of the investigational nature of this study and potential risks, and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study, including scheduled follow-up visits and examinations.

Exclusion Criteria:

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The participant may not enter the study if ANY of the following apply:

Diagnosed with histologically confirmed Osteosarcoma or Chordoma

Diagnosed with histologically confirmed soft tissue sarcoma of the following subtypes:

* GIST
* Chondrosarcoma
* Kaposi's sarcoma
* Ewings sarcoma
* Giant cell tumour
* Angiosarcoma

Active medical or psychological illness that would render the patient unsuitable for the interventions required for the study (exclusion at the discretion of the investigator).

Pregnancy.

Ulceration / skin breakdown / erythema overlying the target tumour site due to tumour invasion (exclusion at the discretion of the investigator).

Significant radiation skin damage overlying the target tumour site (exclusion at the discretion of the investigator).

Impractical anatomical locations for HIFU targeting (using JC200 treatment device) (exclusion at the discretion of the investigator):

* Retroperitoneum
* Skull
* Neck
* Axilla
* Foot

Unfavourable imaging features on previously acquired cross-sectional imaging, including:

* Tumour within 1cm of the skin surface
* Interposition (or close proximity) of a gas-containing structure between tumour and skin such as fixed (retroperitoneal) bowel or lung
* Interposition of a continuous ossified bone between tumour and skin, such as coverage by pelvis or scapula
* Tumour margin close (\<1.5cm) or encasing major neurovascular bundles (such as the sciatic nerve)
* Tumour margin close (\<1.5 cm) to critical visceral structures (e.g. bladder or bowel)

Recent radiotherapy (under 6 months) to the target tumour site.

Recent surgery (under 6 weeks) to the target tumour site.

Have any known allergic reactions to intravenous imaging agents to be used in this study (exclusion at the discretion of the investigator).

Have contraindication(s) or intolerance to MRI (exclusion at the discretion of the investigator).

Current involvement in phase 1 studies.

Soft tissue sarcoma participants: Use of chemotherapy or of an investigational drug within 30 days or 5 half-lives, whichever is longer, preceding the intervention.

Desmoid participants: hormonal medication including the contraceptive pill or tamoxifen, or being treated with imatinib.

Where it's running

  • Churchill Hospital
    Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Paul C Lyon, FRCR, DPhil — Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust
  • Study coordinator: Paul C Lyon, FRCR, DPhil
  • Email: sarcablate@nds.ox.ac.uk
  • Phone: 0300 304 7777

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.