# Optimizing non-invasive focused ultrasound for brain tumor liquid biopsy in a rat glioma model - Phase I

> **NIH NIH R43** · CORDANCE MEDICAL, INC. · 2024 · $399,358

## Abstract

SUMMARY
The NeuroAccess system represents a pioneering approach to address the unmet critical need for effective
blood-based molecular characterization in brain cancer patients. By utilizing focused ultrasound and
microbubbles to open the blood-brain barrier non-invasively, it allows biomarkers such as cell-free DNA (cfDNA)
into the systemic circulation, facilitating liquid biopsy in conditions where biopsies with traditional techniques are
difficult to obtain. The overall objective of this study is to ensure the optimized safety and efficacy of the
NeuroAccess system in enabling liquid biopsies (LB) for brain tumor patients.
The study comprises three aims: Firstly, to demonstrate the safety of repeated BBB opening (BBBO) in healthy
rats with variable intra-treatment delays. Secondly, to optimize BBBO volume and transmit sequence in diseased
rats, assessing the increase in mutant EGFR biomarkers in peripheral circulation. Finally, to optimize the
sensitivity and specificity of the LB method by confirming BBBO and measuring biomarker levels in both healthy
and tumor-bearing rats. Success criteria include statistically significant biomarker concentration increases and
confirmed safe BBBO.
Our long-term goal is to significantly improve the management and outcomes of brain tumor patients through
reliable and non-invasive liquid biopsies. Tissue biopsies are difficult to obtain for brain tumor patients other than
in an invasive manner and/or when surgery is performed. Liquid biopsies are not currently used because the
blood-brain barrier prevents biomarkers from migrating from brain tissue into the circulation system. The
NeuroAccess system addresses this challenge by enabling non-invasive liquid biopsies. Existing research
including data from studies on humans, demonstrates the potential and feasibility of safe blood-brain barrier
openings for the purposes of liquid biopsy, however the NeuroAccess device makes the approach feasible and
practical.
This project proposes innovative techniques to increase the reliability, sensitivity, and specificity of the focused
ultrasound based liquid biopsy method. The proposed research is significant because it tackles the complexities
of brain tumor diagnostics, aiming to bring substantial improvements in the detection and management of brain
tumors. The successful implementation of the NeuroAccess system has the potential to shift the paradigm in
brain tumor treatment, aligning with the urgent needs of patients.
NCI Phase I SBIR Confidential Page 2 of 12
Aims Page and Research Plan Draft

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11008268
- **Project number:** 1R43CA295307-01
- **Recipient organization:** CORDANCE MEDICAL, INC.
- **Principal Investigator:** Bhaskar Ramamurthy
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $399,358
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-10 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11008268

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11008268, Optimizing non-invasive focused ultrasound for brain tumor liquid biopsy in a rat glioma model - Phase I (1R43CA295307-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11008268. Licensed CC0.

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