Sound waves open brain barrier to attack deadly tumor
NCT ID NCT05864534
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This trial tests a new approach for glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer. A device implanted in the skull uses ultrasound to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing immune-boosting drugs to reach the tumor. The study involves 25 adults who have completed radiation, and aims to see if the combination is safe and extends survival.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Balstilimab, Botensilimab, Liposomal Doxorubicin
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could offer a new way to treat glioblastoma by helping drugs reach the brain more effectively, potentially improving survival.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 2a trial with only 25 people, so results may not apply widely. The treatment involves brain surgery to implant a device, and immune drugs can cause serious side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 25 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Jan 2024
- Expected to finish
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Aug 2031
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Have newly diagnosed pathologically proven glioblastoma, isocitric dehydrogenase-1/2 wild-type * Tumor with methyl guanine methyl transferase (MGMT) gene promoter unmethylated * Available paraffin embedded tumor tissue for the study * Have completed standard radiotherapy with or without temozolomide * 18 years of age or older * Able to undergo contrast-enhanced MRI * Have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group/World Health Organization performance status ≤ 2 * Size and location of the residual tumor and/or resection cavity must allow to be able to be covered by the sonication field * Have not received any prior treatment with immunotherapeutic agents treatments for glioblastoma or other indications * Have the ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent prior to registration on study. * Be willing and able to comply with the protocol. * Have adequate organ and bone marrow function * Agree to use adequate contraception if appropriate Exclusion Criteria: Patients will be ineligible if they have: * Multifocal tumor (unless all localized in a 50-mm diameter area accessible to ultrasound field) or tumor located in the posterior fossa. * Uncontrolled epilepsy. * Received other investigational agents within 2 weeks of registration * Received prior therapy with or have history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to agents used in this study. * Contraindication to checkpoint inhibitor therapy (e.g., history of autoimmune disease) * Uncontrolled illness * History of active malignancy other than the brain tumor within 12 months prior to registration. * Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
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Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Northwestern University
RECRUITINGChicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Off-the-Shelf immune cells target solid tumors
- Could a parasite drug fight childhood brain tumors?
- Can a special MRI reveal hidden brain tumors and guide a stronger radiation strike?
- Can mapping the Blood-Brain barrier in brain tumors unlock new clues?