Sound waves could help chemo reach brain tumors
NCT ID NCT03551249
First seen Mar 31, 2026 · Last updated Jun 22, 2026 · Updated 11 times
Summary
This study tested whether a device called ExAblate, which uses focused ultrasound, can safely open the blood-brain barrier in 20 patients with high-grade glioma (a type of brain cancer). The goal was to allow standard chemotherapy drugs to better reach the tumor. Researchers checked for side effects and used MRI scans to see if the barrier could be opened repeatedly.
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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.
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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Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
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University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
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University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States
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West Virginia University
Morgantown, West Virginia, 26506, United States
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 (ExAblate device)
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could help chemotherapy drugs reach brain tumors more effectively, potentially improving treatment for high-grade glioma.
What could go wrong
This was a small, early safety study with only 20 participants. The technique may not improve outcomes or could cause side effects like bleeding or swelling in the brain.
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.