UVA Health is pioneering a clinical trial to investigate whether focused ultrasound can amplify the effectiveness of immunotherapy in treating melanoma. This approach combines focused ultrasound with surgical removal of tumors, aiming to improve patient outcomes.
Led by surgical oncologist Dr. Lynn Dengel, the trial seeks to determine if focused sound waves can alter the tumor microenvironment, thereby boosting the body’s immune response and killing cancer cells. The study is enrolling 11 participants receiving PD-1 antibody blockade as part of their treatment.
Enhancing Immunotherapy with Ultrasound
"Immunotherapy has dramatically improved our success in treating patients with advanced melanoma, but still 20% to 40% of patients do not respond," said Dr. Dengel. The trial will combine focused ultrasound, using Theraclion’s EchoPulse device, with an injection of Hiltinol directly into the tumor, followed by surgical removal. Researchers will then assess the pattern of tissue destruction and changes in the tumor's immune environment.
Melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer, affects over 100,000 Americans annually and accounts for a significant portion of skin cancer-related deaths. The trial, identified as IRB No. HSR230477, is actively recruiting adult patients with advanced melanoma who are undergoing immune therapy.
UVA Health's Pioneering Role
UVA Health has been at the forefront of focused ultrasound research, with previous successes in treating conditions like essential tremor. In 2022, UVA launched the Focused Ultrasound Cancer Immunotherapy Center to explore the combination of focused ultrasound and cancer immunotherapy.
The Charlottesville-based Focused Ultrasound Foundation supports UVA’s efforts and advocates for focused ultrasound research globally. If the approach proves safe and effective, larger, multi-center trials will be necessary before potential FDA approval.
