Sound waves zapped brain to kill cancer pain – tiny study shows promise

NCT ID NCT03894553

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Jeff Elias, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

Facial Pain head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms Neck Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CANCER OF HEAD AND NECK PAIN, FACE PAIN, NECK

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Virginia UVA Health, University Hospital

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States

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