Using focused ultrasound to measure brain tumors
Official title: Feasibility of Transcranial Focused Ultrasound to Measure Brain Tumor
Run by University of Minnesota · NCT05755399 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether a new ultrasound technique can help doctors see and treat brain tumors more accurately during surgery compared to regular imaging methods like MRI.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 15 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Minnesota Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Minneapolis, Minnesota) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 19, 2023 |
| Main results expected | May 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | November 30, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | May 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05755399 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults scheduled for brain surgery who can provide informed consent and are undergoing general anesthesia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are planned for awake craniotomy or have unhealed scalp wounds or infections 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 study explores the feasibility of using transcranial focused ultrasound (tFUS) for non-invasive imaging of brain tumors during cranial neurosurgery. The approach aims to provide high-resolution imaging while offering potential treatment options through neuromodulation and blood-brain barrier modulation. By integrating tFUS with neuronavigation and post-contrast imaging, the study seeks to enhance the precision of tumor targeting and treatment. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of this method compared to traditional imaging techniques like MRI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the accuracy of brain tumor imaging and treatment, leading to better surgical outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of focused ultrasound in brain imaging is emerging, this specific application is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Able to undergo informed consent * Scheduled and present for brain surgery * General Anesthesia planned * Neuronavigation used for surgery * Thin cut post-contrast imaging available for coregistration * At least 18 years of age Exclusion Criteria: * Awake craniotomy planned * Unhealed wounds or infection of scalp * Diseases and conditions that would increase the morbidity and mortality of craniotomy and tumor resection (e.g. cardiopulmonary issues) in the opinion of the PI. * Pregnancy (also generally required for surgery)
Where it's running
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: David Darrow, MD — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: David Darrow, MD
- Email: darro015@umn.edu
- Phone: 612-624-6666
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.