Ep3: Nir Lipsman, MD, PhD | Pioneering Focused Ultrasound Applications for the Brain

04/11/24 • 29 min

In this episode of Curing with Sound, Dr. Neal Kassell, founder and chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, is joined by Dr. Nir Lipsman, a neurosurgeon and senior scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto, Canada. Dr. Kassell considers Dr. Lipsman to be one of the most influential clinicians in the development and adoption of focused ultrasound, having pioneered several world-first clinical trials for various brain disorders.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Lipsman discusses the evolution of his focused ultrasound program at Sunnybrook, which has grown exponentially over the past decade. His team has treated over 500 patients across a wide range of indications, including essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, and various types of brain tumors. One of the most exciting aspects of Dr. Lipsman's work is the use of focused ultrasound for opening the blood-brain barrier to enhance drug delivery.
He shares the groundbreaking results of a trial in which they were able to visually confirm the passage of a large molecule, trastuzumab, directly into the brain to target metastatic breast cancer tumors. This achievement holds immense promise for the treatment of numerous brain disorders, particularly in the neurodegenerative space, where focused ultrasound could potentially change the natural history of diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
Dr. Lipsman emphasizes the importance of collaboration and parallel progress in advancing the field of focused ultrasound. He highlights the critical role of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation in supporting and fostering the growth of his program and the global focused ultrasound community.
Looking to the future, Dr. Lipsman envisions focused ultrasound becoming a routine, well-tolerated outpatient procedure that can not only treat but also prevent and diagnose brain disorders. He remains committed to building a strong, multidisciplinary team at Sunnybrook and working with the global community to bring the transformative potential of focused ultrasound to patients worldwide.
Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation

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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.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

Previous Episode

Ep2: Ken Dychtwald, PhD & Katsuto Shinohara, MD | Navigating a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis with Focused Ultrasound

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Dr. Ken Dychtwald, renowned gerontologist, best-selling author, and Founder of Age Wave, and Dr. Katsuto Shinohara, a leading urologic oncologist at UCSF.

Dr. Dychtwald, who has dedicated his life to studying gerontology and the aging population, shares his initial shock upon being diagnosed with prostate cancer. He emphasizes the importance of men openly discussing prostate health issues, as many of his friends had experienced similar diagnoses.

When presented with treatment options, Dr. Dychtwald was intrigued by the potential of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), a minimally invasive procedure he had previously advocated for in his work. Under the care of Dr. Shinohara at UCSF, Dr. Dychtwald underwent HIFU treatment, which precisely targets cancerous tissue while preserving surrounding healthy tissue.

The procedure itself was swift, lasting less than 15 minutes, and Dr. Dychtwald was able to return to work the same day. He expresses his gratitude for the availability of this advanced technology and encourages others to inquire about focused ultrasound as a potential treatment option.

Both Dr. Dychtwald and Dr. Shinohara express optimism about the advancements in medical technology and the potential for focused ultrasound to revolutionize the treatment of various cancers and other conditions, ultimately contributing to improved quality of life and longevity.

The patient story shared above is a personal account 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
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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.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

Next Episode

Ep4: Jessica Foley, PhD | Advancing Focused Ultrasound through Science, Policy, and Advocacy

In this episode of Curing with Sound, Dr. Jessica Foley, the Chief Scientific Officer and a Managing Director at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, discusses her journey in the biomedical field, from her early interest in math and science to the groundbreaking work in focused ultrasound. Dr. Foley holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University and a PhD in Bioengineering from the University of Washington, with an emphasis on focused ultrasound.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Foley shares her unique experience as a fellow for the American Association for the Advancement of Science and how it has shaped her career in science policy and advocacy. She reflects on the highlights of her career, including being present for the first essential tremor patients treated with focused ultrasound, a pivotal moment that has since led to over 10,000 patients receiving treatment worldwide.

Dr. Foley expresses her excitement about the future of focused ultrasound and its versatile applications, from enhancing drug delivery and inducing anti-cancer immune responses to neuromodulation for treating depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. As the Chief Scientific Officer at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, she plays a multifaceted role in advancing the field through research funding, advocacy, and government affairs.
She emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about focused ultrasound, increasing its availability, and addressing the challenges of insurance coverage to ensure equitable access for patients. Dr. Foley also touches on her experience as a woman in the biotech field and offers advice for the next generation of women in science and engineering.
Dr. Foley encourages listeners who are passionate about focused ultrasound to reach out and collaborate with the Foundation in breaking down barriers and moving the field forward.

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.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA