In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Bill Traynor, a Canadian adventurer whose life shifted dramatically when he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease), a neurodegenerative disorder with an average life expectancy of just two to five years. Once enjoying high-impact activities like skydiving, race car driving, and scuba diving, Bill's active lifestyle came to an abrupt halt.

Determined to face the diagnosis head-on, Bill became the first person to participate in a focused ultrasound clinical trial at Sunnybrook Research Institute, where researchers used a newly developed helmet to noninvasively and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier. This breakthrough allowed direct delivery of immunotherapy to his brain to reduce ALS-related neuroinflammation. Six weeks after treatment, Bill has experienced gradual improvements in walking and voice quality, returned to part-time work, and gained a renewed sense of hope.

Discussion highlights:

• World-First Medical Breakthrough: Researchers used a new domed helmet, designed to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier in very specific regions of the brain, helping push more medication into areas affected by ALS. This new helmet provides enhanced image guidance, faster treatment times, and targeting capacity for the investigation of personalized therapies for patients with a variety of neurological conditions and diseases of the brain
• Promising Early Results: After treatment, the medication delivered to the brain stays in the tissue for two to eight weeks. Researchers will now track the trial participants over the next five months before deciding whether and how to expand this research.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Rosie Xing, PhD, Managing Director of Global Planning, International Marketing, and Business at Chongqing Haifu Medical Technology, a world leader in noninvasive focused ultrasound systems. Founded in 1999 by Professor Zhibiao Wang, Chongqing Haifu has revolutionized treatment for patients across 400 medical centers worldwide, with their technology now installed in 32 countries outside China.

Prof. Xing shares about the growth of Chongqing Haifu, starting with the first therapeutic system to treat osteosarcoma. Now, their devices can treat conditions such as uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, and cancers of the liver, breast, pancreas, kidneys, and bones, in addition to other diseases. She also discusses the company’s collaborations with professional societies, research centers, and academic institutions worldwide.

Discussion highlights:

• Unprecedented Global Impact: Discover how Chongqing Haifu has treated over 260,000 women for uterine fibroids and enabled more than 3,500 babies to be born through fertility-preserving focused ultrasound treatments, addressing critical healthcare needs, especially in regions where fibroid incidence reaches 80%.
• Comprehensive Treatment Portfolio: Learn about the evolution from treating the first osteosarcoma patient in 1997 to today's diverse applications spanning benign conditions, multiple cancer types, and palliative care for metastatic lesions, demonstrating the versatility of focused ultrasound technology.
• Training Centers: Chongqing Haifu established 13 training bases in mainland China, offering immersive instruction using simulators, live case observations, hands-on practice, and mentorship from experts in the FUS field for international researchers and medical staff.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

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FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we hear the remarkable story of Monica Russell, who has lived with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) for nearly 30 years. Diagnosed at age nine, Monica pursued a wide range of conventional and alternative treatments before participating in a focused ultrasound clinical trial at Sunnybrook Hospital in Toronto. Following two noninvasive treatments, she experienced immediate relief from depression and a sustained 35–40% reduction in OCD symptoms over the following year and a half.

Monica shares a candid account of her struggles with debilitating OCD, including the painful compulsions and time-consuming rituals that affected her personal and professional life. Her experience offers valuable insight into the challenges of living with treatment-resistant OCD and the life-changing potential of focused ultrasound as a breakthrough therapy for psychiatric conditions.

Discussion highlights:

• Focused Ultrasound as a Treatment Option: The episode outlines how focused ultrasound helped reduce Monica’s depression and OCD symptoms when other therapies had limited effect.
• Advancing Research Through Clinical Trials: Monica’s story underscores the critical role of clinical trials in evaluating new treatment options for patients with treatment-resistant OCD. Her participation highlights the need for continued funding and enrollment in focused ultrasound research to expand access and improve outcomes for others facing similar challenges.

  EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

  Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

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  FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/