Ep18: Global Experts Reveal Latest Advances in Focused Ultrasound for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

11/21/24 • 19 min

In this episode of Curing with Sound, three leading experts in focused ultrasound technology share their groundbreaking work in pancreatic cancer treatment. Dr. Feng Wu from Oxford University, Dr. Jae Young Lee from Seoul National University Hospital, and Dr. Joan Vidal-Jové from Barcelona's Comprehensive Tumor Center discuss their innovative approaches to treating one of medicine's most challenging cancers using noninvasive focused ultrasound techniques.
The episode provides insights into the evolution and future of focused ultrasound technology in cancer treatment. The experts detail how their work addresses key challenges in pancreatic cancer treatment, from enhancing drug delivery to activating immune responses.
Key Points:

Focused ultrasound technology shows particular promise in addressing the unique challenges of pancreatic cancer, including the ability to precisely target tumors while preserving surrounding critical structures.
Multiple treatment pathways are being explored simultaneously: thermal ablation (HIFU), mechanical stimulation for drug delivery enhancement, and histotripsy for immune system activation, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Dr. Lee shares exciting results from his phase II clinical trial combining focused ultrasound with chemotherapy, achieving a 63% objective response rate.
Dr. Wu discusses combining HIFU ablation with drug delivery to overcome limitations in treating pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Vidal-Jové reveals how histotripsy treatment has shown remarkable immune system activation effects.

SHOW TRANSCRIPT
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QUESTIONS?
Email [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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Focused ultrasound technology shows particular promise in addressing the unique challenges of pancreatic cancer, including the ability to precisely target tumors while preserving surrounding critical structures.
Multiple treatment pathways are being explored simultaneously: thermal ablation (HIFU), mechanical stimulation for drug delivery enhancement, and histotripsy for immune system activation, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Dr. Lee shares exciting results from his phase II clinical trial combining focused ultrasound with chemotherapy, achieving a 63% objective response rate.
Dr. Wu discusses combining HIFU ablation with drug delivery to overcome limitations in treating pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Vidal-Jové reveals how histotripsy treatment has shown remarkable immune system activation effects.

SHOW TRANSCRIPT
----------------------------
QUESTIONS?
Email [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

Previous Episode

Ep17: Conquering Compulsions: How Focused Ultrasound Gave Rima Relief from Severe OCD

In this compelling episode of Curing with Sound, Rima Youssef shares her transformative journey battling severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since childhood. Learn how a focused ultrasound clinical trial at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center offered hope when traditional treatments failed, leading to a remarkable turnaround in Rima's life.

Rima's story is a testament to the potential of focused ultrasound in treating neurological disorders. From the onset of her symptoms at age six to participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial at Sunnybrook in 2021, Rima candidly discusses her struggles with debilitating OCD and the impact of the focused ultrasound procedure on her recovery. Her experience sheds light on the challenges of living with treatment-resistant OCD and the life-changing potential of this innovative, noninvasive technology.

Key points from the conversation:

Rima's OCD journey, including early onset at age 6 and escalation of symptoms that by age 12, left her unable to attend school or even play outside
Rima's decision to participate in the focused ultrasound clinical trial and her experience with the procedure
The gradual improvement in Rima's symptoms post-treatment, allowing her to return to work and regain a sense of normalcy in her life
Rima's advocacy for wider accessibility of focused ultrasound treatment for OCD patients

All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs.

SHOW TRANSCRIPT
----------------------------
QUESTIONS?
Email [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

Next Episode

Ep19: From Alzheimer’s to ALS: The Latest in Brain Immunology with John Lukens, PhD

In this episode of Curing with Sound, John Lukens, PhD, a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Virginia, shares his groundbreaking research on the connection between the immune system and the brain in combating neurological disorders. He discusses the role of focused ultrasound in enhancing immunotherapy and opening new treatment possibilities for conditions like Alzheimer's, ALS, and brain tumors.

Dr. Lukens explains how recent discoveries about the brain's lymphatic system are reshaping our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. He also details how focused ultrasound is being used to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing therapies to reach targeted areas more effectively. The conversation sheds light on how these approaches are pushing the boundaries of treatment possibilities for both neurodegenerative and cancer-related brain conditions.

SHOW TRANSCRIPT
----------------------------
QUESTIONS?
Email [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA