Sound waves zapped brain to kill cancer pain – tiny study shows promise
NCT ID NCT03894553
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This pilot study tested a device that uses focused ultrasound to create a small lesion in the brain's pain pathway, aiming to relieve severe, opioid-resistant pain from head and neck cancer. Six participants underwent the procedure and were followed for 6 months to check safety and pain changes. The goal was to see if this non-invasive approach could help when medications fail.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
focused ultrasound device (ExAblate Neuro)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a new, non-invasive option for managing severe cancer pain that doesn't respond to opioids.
What could go wrong
This is a very small pilot study with only 6 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The procedure involves creating a brain lesion, which carries risks like bleeding or neurological side effects.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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University of Virginia UVA Health, University Hospital
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States