What’s happening worldwide with focused ultrasound utilization

Focused ultrasound is an early stage, non-invasive therapeutic technology with the potential to transform the treatment of serious medical conditions, including neurological disorders such as tremor, many cancers, cardiovascular disease and endocrine disorders. The technology combines focused ultrasound that provides the ability to concentrate multiple intersecting beams of ultrasound on a target deep in the body with extreme precision and accuracy and MR or ultrasound imaging. Imaging is used to identify and target the tissue to be treated, guide and control the treatment in real time, and confirm the effectiveness of the treatment.

Hospitals in Europe have been the pioneers of the technology. More than 15 applications have been approved for use in Europe and other regions of the world. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of commercial focused ultrasound systems only for the treatment of uterine fibroids and pain from bone metastases. Clinical trials for other applications are underway in the United States.

The U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) increased its funding for focused ultrasound research by 48% in 2014, from $21 million to $31 million. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation reports that while the top three areas for preclinical research have been uterine fibroids, liver tumors, and prostate cancer, the highest growth areas are in research of neurological conditions, epilepsy, and stroke.

Each year, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation publishes an informative, easy to read detailed, fact-filled report about global research, treatment, treatment locations and manufacturers of focused ultrasound systems. The 48-page report entitled Focused Ultrasound: State of the Field 2015 may be accessed by clicking here.

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