Curing with Sound

Ep33: Monica’s Story: Focused Ultrasound for Treatment-Resistant OCD

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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Ep.32: Precision Without Incision: Focused Ultrasound for Dystonia with Shiro Horisawa, MD

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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Ep31: A New Way to Treat Prostate Cancer: A Conversation with Profound Medical's Patient Advocates

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 informationEPISODE 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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Ep30: The Power of Histotripsy: Revolutionizing Cancer Care with Eli Vlaisavljevich, PhD

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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Ep29: A Life Reclaimed: Paul Sayer on Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer

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. 
Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. 
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Ep28: Breaking the Cycle: Focused Ultrasound for Addiction with James Mahoney, PhD

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. 
Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. 
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Ep27: How Histotripsy is Changing the Game: A Conversation with Zhen Xu, PhD

In this episode of Curing with Sound, Zhen Xu, PhD, the Li Ka Shing Endowed Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan, discusses histotripsy. Dr. Xu and her colleagues developed histotripsy, the first noninvasive, nonthermal ultrasound ablation technique that received FDA approval for liver tumor treatment in 2023. Her work has led to multiple clinical trials on histotripsy treatment for malignant and benign tumors. 
Dr. Xu shares the 20-year journey from initial discovery to clinical application and highlights histotripsy's remarkable ability to mechanically break down targeted tissue without incisions or radiation. She also recounts inspiring patient stories from clinical trials, including patients who experienced no pain and returned to normal activities immediately after treatment. 
Regulatory Approval: In October 2023, the FDA cleared HistoSonics’ novel therapy platform, Edison™, to treat liver tumors. Edison™ uses histotripsy to noninvasively destroy liver tissue. This is the first time the use of histotripsy has earned regulatory approval worldwide.
The Science Behind Histotripsy: Dr. Xu explains how histotripsy uses focused ultrasound pulses to rapidly expand and collapse microbubbles that break down targeted cells with remarkable precision.
Future Directions: Dr. Xu envisions continued expansion of histotripsy applications over the next five years, including wider adoption for liver tumors, regulatory approvals for additional indications, and the development of new platforms for brain and shallow tumor treatments.
Histotripsy Lab: histotripsy.umich.eduConnect on Linked In: Dr. Zhen Xu
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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Ep26: A New Lease on Life: Michael’s Experience with Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor

In honor of Essential Tremor Awareness month, this episode of Curing with Sound, features Michael Werner, a healthcare attorney, who has lived with essential tremor most of his life. After years of struggling with increasingly debilitating tremors that affected daily activities like eating and cooking, he chose to have a noninvasive focused ultrasound procedure.
Michael's story highlights the critical gap in awareness about focused ultrasound technology, even among healthcare professionals. Despite having tremors since high school that progressively worsened with age, doctors initially recommended only medication or deep brain stimulation surgery without mentioning focused ultrasound as an option.
It wasn't until a neurosurgeon at NIH asked why he wasn't considering focused ultrasound that Michael learned about this groundbreaking alternative treatment, which ultimately provided immediate and significant symptom improvements with minimal side effects.
Key points include:
Immediate Results – Michael’s condition improved immediately following the two-hour focused ultrasound procedure, allowing him to write his name and hold objects steadily for the first time in years.
Confidence in the Procedure – After successfully treating his right hand nine months ago, Michael plans to return for bilateral treatment to improve his left side.
Advocacy & Awareness – As both a patient and healthcare lawyer, Michael participates in advocacy efforts, including a congressional fly-in, to raise awareness about focused ultrasound treatment among policymakers and potential 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.
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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Ep25: Breaking Barriers: Focused Ultrasound Innovations with Elisa Konofagou, PhD

This episode of Curing with Sound features Elisa Konofagou, PhD, the Robert and Margaret Hariri Professor of Biomedical Engineering and professor of radiology at Columbia University, who is a pioneer and leading expert in focused ultrasound. Dr. Konofagou discusses her important research using focused ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier, the development of portable therapeutic ultrasound devices, and the future of this noninvasive technology and its role in treating a variety of conditions.
The Focused Ultrasound Foundation recently designated Columbia as the seventh Center of Excellence (COE) in the US and the 14th worldwide. The COE program recognizes luminary sites for their merit in translational and clinical research in focused ultrasound, training, and patient care. The Centers serve as hubs for collaboration, bringing together academia, industry, and the Foundation to champion therapeutic ultrasound technology in innovative ways.
Key points from the conversation:
Blood-brain barrier opening – Clinical trials using focused ultrasound for blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening, enabling delivery of therapeutics for treating a wide range of conditions including, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and diffuse midline glioma (DMG) in pediatric patients.  
Breast cancer – Dr. Konofagou is studying the use of focused ultrasound to ablate primary tumors, both benign and malignant. She is also using the technology to mechanically vibrate tumors, then evaluating the changes in stiffness or elasticity as a biomarker of chemotherapy response. 
A portable ultrasound device for broader accessibility – Unlike MRI-guided focused ultrasound, which requires expensive imaging equipment, Dr. Konofagou’s team developed a portable device that can be brought to patients, allowing real-time monitoring and faster treatment times.
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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Ep24: From Innovation to Impact: Dr. Suzanne LeBlang on the Power of Focused Ultrasound

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we talk with Suzanne LeBlang, MD, a neuroradiologist and Director of Clinical Relationships at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation, who offers unique insights into how this technology is reshaping the future of medicine. She shares her experience as an early adopter of focused ultrasound following its FDA approval to treat uterine fibroids in 2004 and dives deep into the many applications of the technology, including neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric conditions, and cancer therapies.
Key Points:
Landmark clinical trials show focused ultrasound can enhance drug delivery in Alzheimer's treatment by safely opening the blood-brain barrier, with recent studies also demonstrating significant reductions in amyloid plaques
In breast cancer treatment, focused ultrasound offers multiple therapeutic approaches: thermal ablation for early-stage cancers, targeted drug delivery for chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and enhanced radiation therapy efficacy
The technology has expanded to address many different psychiatric and neurological conditions in clinical trials – including depression, anxiety, and addiction – with promising results
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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