Sound waves open brain barrier to attack tumors
NCT ID NCT03551249
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether a device called ExAblate, which uses focused ultrasound, can safely open the blood-brain barrier in 20 people with high-grade glioma (a type of brain cancer). The goal was to allow standard chemotherapy to reach the tumor more effectively. Researchers checked for side effects and used MRI scans to see if the barrier could be opened repeatedly.
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 reach brain tumors more effectively, potentially improving treatment for glioblastoma.
What could go wrong
This was a small, early safety study with only 20 participants. It does not prove the treatment works, and there may be risks from disrupting the blood-brain barrier.
Disclaimer
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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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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