Sound waves open Brain's shield to attack deadly tumors

NCT ID NCT04417088

Completed Disease control Sponsor: InSightec Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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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.

RECURRENT GLIOBLASTOMA

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

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