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.

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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.

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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.

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In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Shiro Horisawa, MD, Director of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at Tokyo Women's Medical University, who discusses innovative applications of focused ultrasound technology for treating dystonia and other movement disorders. Dr. Horisawa shares insights from his extensive clinical experience, including over 1,500 stereotactic brain surgeries, and how focused ultrasound offers patients a noninvasive alternative to conventional treatments.

Dr. Horisawa also details his clinical trial using focused ultrasound for cervical dystonia, a neurological disorder causing involuntary muscle contractions in the neck that can lead to abnormal head postures and significant pain. This Foundation-funded trial demonstrated an average improvement of 43% in symptoms six months after treatment, and no serious treatment-related complications.

Discussion highlights:

• Noninvasive Precision Treatment: Focused ultrasound offers patients the benefits of traditional treatments without incisions or implanted devices, making it an attractive option for those resistant to conventional surgical approaches.
• Clinical Trial Results and Unexpected Benefits: Discover the outcomes of Dr. Horisawa's cervical dystonia trial and the surprising improvements in comorbid conditions like anxiety and hypertension that suggest broader applications for the technology.
• Hand Dystonia Research: Dr. Horisawa discusses his upcoming clinical trial for hand dystonia, a condition that can significantly impact the daily activities of individuals who rely on fine motor skills, particularly musicians, writers, and athletes.

  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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According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with a prostate condition during their lifetime. Focused ultrasound offers a noninvasive, radiation-free treatment option for prostate conditions and has been approved in more than 50 countries, including the United States.

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we explore focused ultrasound for prostate cancer through the lens of a patient and a patient advocate. Bob Palmer, who underwent the TULSA-PRO procedure - a minimally invasive, incision-free treatment - discusses his decision-making process and treatment experience. He is joined by Eve Satterthwaite, a registered nurse and patient educator at Profound Medical. She provides an overview of what patients can expect from the procedure and her role in guiding them through treatment.

Bob shares how Eve helped him evaluate treatment options after his prostate cancer diagnosis and what led him to choose TULSA-PRO, particularly in light of potential side effects associated with surgery and radiation. Eve explains how she helps patients understand their options, outlines the clinical benefits of the TULSA procedure, and addresses common patient concerns.

Discussion highlights:

• Modern Prostate Treatment Options: An overview of the TULSA-PRO procedure, an FDA-approved treatment that offers an incision-free alternative to traditional prostate cancer treatments, with minimal downtime and reduced risk of side effects affecting quality of life.
• Informed Choices Through Education: Insights into how clear, comprehensive information about available treatments can help patients make confident, well-informed decisions.

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.

Visit TULSAprocedure.com for more information 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.

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In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Eli Vlaisavljevich, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Virginia Tech and a renowned innovator in histotripsy, the first completely noninvasive and nonthermal ablation method for treating cancer.

The conversation explores histotripsy's expanding applications across multiple conditions, from its FDA-approved use in liver tumors to promising research in pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, sarcomas, and more. Dr. Vlaisavljevich also discusses the innovative work his lab is conducting in veterinary medicine, treating dogs, cats, and horses with naturally occurring tumors, which in turn accelerates the development of human applications.

Discussion highlights:

• Revolutionary Technology: Dr. Vlaisavljevich explains how histotripsy uses focused ultrasound pulses to generate cavitation bubbles that mechanically break down targeted tissue while preserving critical structures like blood vessels and nerves - a capability that sets it apart from traditional ablation methods.
• Interdisciplinary Innovation: Discover the collaborative nature of focused ultrasound research, bringing together engineers, clinicians, and immunologists to develop customized devices for different clinical scenarios.
• Next-Generation Approaches: Explore cutting-edge developments including nanoparticle-mediated histotripsy that can target specific cancer cells and combination therapies that enhance immune responses against metastatic disease.

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 hear from Paul Sayer, a prostate cancer survivor from the United Kingdom, whose life was transformed by focused ultrasound treatment. Diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2018 and initially advised to undergo surgery, Paul took the initiative to research alternative treatments. His search led him to focused ultrasound, a noninvasive option that offered a significantly lower risk of debilitating side effects.

Paul shares his remarkable journey and recounts his swift recovery. He experienced minimal side effects and returned to his normal life almost immediately. This profound experience inspired Paul to establish the charity Prost8 UK just months after his treatment, dedicated to raising awareness about focused ultrasound and expanding its availability across the UK.

Discussion highlights:

• Patient Empowerment: Paul’s story underscores the importance of patients researching their options and advocating for the treatment that best suits their needs, even when faced with initial resistance from medical professionals.
• Minimally Invasive, Maximum Impact: Learn about the significant advantages of focused ultrasound for prostate cancer, including drastically reduced risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to traditional surgery or radiotherapy, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life.
• Advocacy in Action: Discover how Paul translated his personal success story into a mission to help others, founding Prost8 UK to increase awareness and access to focused ultrasound by placing more treatment units in hospitals.

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.

Visit Prost8.org.uk

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.

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In this episode of Curing with Sound, James Mahoney, PhD, associate professor and neuropsychologist at West Virginia University, discusses the use of focused ultrasound for addiction treatment. Dr. Mahoney and the team at the Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute are using neuromodulation to target the nucleus accumbens - the brain's reward center - to help patients with severe opioid use disorders who haven't responded to conventional treatments.

The team recently published results from a clinical trial demonstrating that this innovative approach is not only safe but also effective at reducing substance cravings, decreasing actual substance use, and that these changes continued through a 90-day follow-up.

Discussion highlights:

• Adjunctive Therapy – The study uses focused ultrasound as part of an integrated treatment plan with patients also utilizing standard of care practices, including medication for opioid use disorder, and behavioral treatments, working with therapists and support groups.
• Comprehensive Benefits – Beyond reducing substance cravings, researchers noted increased treatment engagement among patients, and the return of more functional lifestyles, including reconnecting with family, and maintaining employment.
• Future Applications – Current research is expanding to other substance use disorders, including methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as behavioral addictions like binge eating disorder and gambling, with promising preliminary results.

WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute

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.

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