NCT05281731 · Washington University School of Medicine
Sonobiopsy for Noninvasive and Sensitive Detection of Glioblastoma
What this study is about
This clinical study to evaluate sonobiopsy is significant because sonobiopsy will fundamentally enhance the clinician's insight into the molecular features of an intracranial lesion to tailor treatment approaches and optimize outcomes.
View original scientific description
This clinical study to evaluate sonobiopsy is significant because sonobiopsy will fundamentally enhance the clinician's insight into the molecular features of an intracranial lesion to tailor treatment approaches and optimize outcomes. In addition to the standard diagnostics of anatomic imaging and surgical histology, sonobiopsy has the potential to become the third pillar for brain tumor management by radically advancing the ability to easily and regularly acquire tumor genetic and molecular signatures. This enhanced capability will have a dramatic impact on patient survival and quality of life.
Interventions
DEVICE
Sonobiopsy
Ultrasound combined with microbubbles to facilitate sampling of biomarkers from brain tumors via blood-based liquid biopsy
PROCEDURE
Research blood
No more than 10 minutes prior to ultrasound sonication, 10 minutes after ultrasound sonication, 30 minutes after ultrasound sonication (optional at the discretion of the PI), and 60 minutes after ultrasound sonication (optional at the discretion of the PI)
GENETIC
Cancer Personalized Profiling
Cancer Personalized Profiling by deep Sequencing will be used to compare the frequency of tumor-specific variants in the blood before and after sonobiopsy.
DEVICE
Definity®
Being used off-label in this trial
Primary outcome measures
Feasibility of sonobiopsy as measured by change in ctDNA level
Time frame: Day 1
The feasibility of sonobiopsy will be demonstrated by an increase in the amount of ctDNA in the blood samples acquired post than prior sonobiopsy in at least 50% of the patients.
Number of matched mutations between the post-sonobiopsy sample and the tumor tissue sample
Time frame: Day 1
The agreement of the post-sonobiopsy sample mutation detected in the blood with a variant identified in the tumor tissue will be compared using a kappa statistic.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Must be newly diagnosed with a lesion in the brain with imaging characteristics consistent with glioblastoma multiforme. Scan must have occurred no more than 28 days prior to enrollment.
- Lesion must be \> 3 cm in maximal dimension on MRI.
- Lesion must be in the supratentorial space within 5 cm of the cortical surface.
- Lesion must be gadolinium enhancing.
- Low grade tumors and metastatic tumors
- Recurrent brain tumors and/or radiation necrosis
- Must be planning to undergo surgical resection of the tumor.
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Patients with recurrent GBM who are planning to undergo surgical resection or laser ablation of the recurrent tumor. Recurrence must be confirmed on MRI performed no more than 28 days prior to enrollment.
Exclusion criteria
- Contraindication to MRI.
- Previous cranial surgery.
- Previous history of cancer and/or cancer treatments.
- Coagulopathy within 14 days of enrollment defined as PT/PTT outside of normal parameters and platelets \< 100,000/mcL.
- Physical skull defect of any kind.
- Ferrous material in the scalp or skull.
- Scalp or skin disease that limits contact with the ultrasound probe.
- Enrolled in another clinical trial where intervention is administered prior to surgery.
- Known hypersensitivity to polyethylene glycol.
- Known unstable cardiopulmonary condition (e.g. acute myocardial infarction, acute coronary artery syndromes, worsening or unstable congestive heart failure, serious ventricular arrhythmias).
Where
- St Louis, Missouri
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced May 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations