Curing with Sound

• 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 [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.  Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube 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/

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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 information EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.  Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube 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/

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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 [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.  Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube 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/

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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. Visit Prost8.org.uk EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.  Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube 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/

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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 [email protected] if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.  Email [email protected] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube 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/

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