Curing with Sound

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
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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
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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. 
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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.
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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
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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.
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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. 
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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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