Sound waves open Brain's shield to attack deadly tumors

NCT ID NCT04417088

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested a device that uses sound waves and tiny bubbles to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier in 28 people with recurrent glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. The goal was to see if it is safe and feasible to let the chemotherapy drug carboplatin reach the tumor more effectively. The trial combined the device procedure with carboplatin infusion and monitored side effects and brain imaging.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Carboplatin (chemotherapy) and Exablate Neuro device with microbubbles to open the blood-brain barrier

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new way to deliver chemotherapy directly to brain tumors, potentially improving treatment for recurrent glioblastoma.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase study with only 28 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The procedure carries risks like bleeding or swelling in the brain.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

glioblastoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

  • Cleveland Clinic

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States

  • Stanford University

    Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States

  • University of Maryland

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States