Curing with Sound

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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Ep-23: Treating Melanoma with Focused Ultrasound and Immunotherapy: A Conversation with Lynn Dengel, MD

In this episode of Curing with Sound, Lynn Dengel, MD, a surgical oncologist at UVA Health, discusses her groundbreaking clinical trial combining focused ultrasound with immunotherapy to treat patients with advanced melanoma.  She shares insights into how this Foundation-funded trial – which is still enrolling patients – could help those who don't benefit from standard immunotherapy alone.Key points from the conversation:
Melanoma is the most invasive type of skin cancer and accounts for the majority of skin cancer deaths. More than 100,000 Americans are diagnosed with melanoma each year.
The study will enroll approximately 11 participants with advanced melanoma who are receiving a cancer immunotherapy drug (PD-1 antibody blockade) as part of their regular care and having the melanoma surgically removed.
Dr. Dengel explains how focused ultrasound not only targets tumor tissue but may also create an enhanced environment for immunotherapy to work more effectively.
As a senior advisor to the Foundation's immunotherapy program, Dr. Dengel highlights the value of cross-institutional collaboration in advancing focused ultrasound research and improving patient outcomes.
UVA Health Study: Seeking Adult Patients with Advanced Melanoma Who are Receiving Immune Therapy and Who are Planning to Receive Surgery - MORE INFO
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Ep.22: A New Approach to Treating Prostate Cancer: Robert Palmer’s Journey with Focused Ultrasound

In this episode of Curing with Sound, Robert Palmer shares his transformative experience with focused ultrasound for prostate cancer. Robert details his procedure, which, unlike traditional treatments, allowed him to avoid overnight hospitalization and return to normal activities within ten days. Now cancer-free, Robert is a passionate advocate for focused ultrasound technology and has spoken to U.S. policymakers about his experience.Key points from the conversation:
The TULSA-PRO procedure is an incision-free, outpatient treatment that uses MRI-guided focused ultrasound technology. Compared to traditional treatments, it requires only a brief recovery period and has minimal side effects.
The American Medical Association has issued three Category I CPT® codes for the TULSA-PRO device. The codes, which take effect on January 1, 2025, are used by insurance companies to reimburse medical procedures. This milestone marks a significant step toward making this treatment more accessible to patients.
Palmer's experience has led him to become a champion for focused ultrasound technology, participating in Capitol Hill advocacy work and helping to educate other men about this minimally invasive treatment option.
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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Ep21: Focused Ultrasound: A Look Ahead - Foundation Experts Highlight 2024 Milestones and the Vision for 2025

In this special episode of Curing with Sound, Foundation team members share an overview of the advancements in focused ultrasound over the past year and provide a look at what’s ahead for the field in 2025. From groundbreaking clinical applications to increased global adoption, this episode highlights the field’s remarkable growth and its impact on patients and animals alike.The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the latest research on focused ultrasound for Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, chronic pain, brain tumors, and veterinary applications, as well as innovations in gene and cell therapy. Our experts also address the critical transition from research to commercial treatment and the challenges of increasing awareness among clinicians and patients.Expert topics include:
Neal Kassell, MD, highlights focused ultrasound’s transition to commercial treatment, with advancements in prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer immunotherapy.
Suzanne LeBlang, MD, provides an update on the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research, including the use of focused ultrasound to safely open the blood-brain barrier. She also discusses neuromodulation for psychiatric conditions like depression and OCD.
Lauren Powlovich, MD, shares progress in chronic pain management using thalamic ablation and neuromodulation, and improving outcomes for brain tumor treatments like glioblastoma.
Kelsie Timbie, PhD, explores veterinary applications, including noninvasive treatments for cancer and diabetes in pets.
Frédéric Padilla, PhD, discusses gene and cell therapy and explains how focused ultrasound is overcoming delivery challenges through blood-brain barrier opening, nanoparticle therapies, and partnerships to advance treatments for brain diseases.
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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Ep20: John Dutton: A Parkinson's Patient's Life-Changing Experience with Focused Ultrasound

John Dutton is a patient with both Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, John shares how focused ultrasound treatment dramatically improved his quality of life by virtually eliminating his Parkinson-related tremors. He discusses his progression of symptoms, details his focused ultrasound procedure, and encourages others to explore this treatment as a viable option for managing tremors associated with Parkinson's disease.
Watch John's patient story and documentary filmAll 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 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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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 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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Ep18: Global Experts Reveal Latest Advances in Focused Ultrasound for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment

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----------------------------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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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 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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