BRAINFUL (BRAIN Tumor Focused Ultrasound-enabled Liquid Biopsy) Trial (NCT04940507)
Safety and Feasibility of Focused Ultrasound-enabled Liquid Biopsy in Patients With Brain Tumours
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Background: Accessing brain tumor material for pathological diagnosis requires invasive procedures that carry risk to patients including brain hemorrhages and death. Liquid biopsies are emerging non-invasive alternatives to direct tumour biopsies but the abundance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is relatively low and this limits our ability to accurately make the molecular diagnosis of brain tumors. We have recently shown promising results that suggest that the analysis of blood samples can distinguish brain tumor types. We now want to couple liquid biopsies with high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to enhance the release of tumor DNA into the circulation and increase the sensitivity/and specificity of liquid biopsies for brain tumors. The aim of this project is to build on our preliminary findings and investigate the the time dependent changes associated with HIFU of a tumor to see if it improves accuracy of diagnosis and specifically molecular subtyping of tumors based on peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulating tumor derived markers following HIFU.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network — Toronto, Ontario
Age range: 18 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Tumor Ablation and Liquid Biopsy Acquisition (PROCEDURE)
- Magnetic Resonance Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy (PROCEDURE)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network — Toronto, Ontario
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.