Sound waves vs. bone pain: can ultrasound replace radiation?

NCT ID NCT04307914

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether MR-guided focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU), alone or with standard radiotherapy, can better relieve pain from bone metastases than radiotherapy alone. About 216 adults with painful bone lesions will be randomly assigned to one of three groups. The goal is to see if this non-invasive heat treatment can improve pain response and quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

MR-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (MR-HIFU)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a non-invasive, drug-free option to reduce severe bone pain from cancer that has spread, improving quality of life without surgery.

What could go wrong

This is a mid-stage trial, not yet proven in large populations. The ultrasound procedure may not work for all tumor locations, and pain relief may vary. Risks include tissue heating or nerve damage.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

bone cancer bone neoplasm metastatic carcinoma in the bone metastatic neoplasm neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • CSSP

    Roma, Italy

  • IOR

    Bologna, Italy

  • Isala Klinieken Zwolle

    Zwolle, Netherlands

  • TUCH Turku

    Turku, Finland

  • University Hospital Cologne

    Cologne, Germany

  • University Medical Center Utrecht

    Utrecht, Utrecht, 3508GA, Netherlands