Curing with Sound

Focused ultrasound is rapidly expanding the boundaries of what is possible in functional neurosurgery. From movement disorders to epilepsy, researchers are exploring how this noninvasive technology can precisely target and treat an expanding range of neurological conditions.

In this episode of Curing with Sound, Vibhor Krishna, MD, Associate Professor and Vice Chair of Inpatient Operations in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of North Carolina, discusses the latest advances in focused ultrasound for neurological disorders. Dr. Krishna shares moving patient stories, reviews newly approved bilateral treatment for Parkinson’s disease, and shares encouraging early findings from a Phase I clinical trial for treatment-resistant epilepsy.

The conversation also explores the broader therapeutic landscape for epilepsy and the opportunities ahead as focused ultrasound research continues to advance.

Discussion highlights:

Incisionless Tremor Relief: Discover how focused ultrasound offers a life-changing, noninvasive option for patients with essential tremor who wish to avoid invasive surgery and implanted hardware.

Bilateral Parkinson's Treatment: Learn about the recent FDA approval for ablating the palatothalamic tract (PTT) bilaterally, a staged approach that addresses fluctuating symptoms like stiffness and slowness while potentially reducing medication dependence.

Pioneering Epilepsy Trials: Hear promising early results of a Phase I clinical trial using focused ultrasound to reduce seizure frequency in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT

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QUESTIONS?
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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 Ashish Ranjan, PhD, a professor of radiation oncology and director of the Veterinary Research and Oncology Clinic at the University of Texas Southwestern. Dr. Ranjan discusses how emerging focused ultrasound applications, including histotripsy and sonodynamic therapy, are being used to treat solid tumors in companion animals. 

He explains how veterinary oncology research contributes to advances in human medicine, shares findings from ongoing clinical studies, and explores the potential of combining focused ultrasound with immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments. Learn how comparative oncology is helping shape the future of personalized, noninvasive cancer care for both veterinary and human patients. 

Discussion highlights:

The One Health Approach: Learn how studying naturally occurring diseases in companion animals can accelerate therapeutic development, providing a powerful bridge between veterinary and human medicine and helping researchers evaluate new treatments more efficiently.

Veterinary Research and Oncology Clinic (VROC): Discover how VROC combines advanced clinical care with cutting-edge research to offer dogs and cats access to innovative cancer treatments. The clinic evaluates emerging technologies, such as focused ultrasound, and other novel therapies, and maintains a strong focus on patient comfort, quality of life, and individualized care. 

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. 

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

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Targeted drug delivery to the brain has long been hindered by the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that prevents many therapeutic agents from reaching their intended targets. For patients with serious neurological disorders, this challenge can significantly reduce access to potentially effective treatments and limit therapeutic outcomes. 

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Sasha Klibanov, PhD, Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Virginia and a pioneering researcher in microbubble technology. Dr. Klibanov discusses the evolution of microbubbles from imaging contrast agents to sophisticated tools for drug delivery. He also explains how focused ultrasound, combined with microbubbles, can safely and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, creating new opportunities for precision therapies and advancing the potential of immunotherapy. 

Discussion highlights:

Microbubble Technology Explained: Explore how microbubbles evolved from diagnostic imaging tools into powerful agents for precise drug delivery when combined with focused ultrasound.

Advancing Immunotherapy: Learn about Dr. Klibanov's collaborative research on using size-sorted microbubbles to optimize the opening of the blood-brain barrier, potentially revolutionizing how we treat complex diseases by enabling targeted immune responses.

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. 

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

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Facebook

Instagram

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FUSF WEBSITE
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FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES
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Essential tremor is a progressive neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking, often significantly impairing everyday tasks. For many, the loss of fine motor control means giving up lifelong passions and careers. Even simple actions, like buttoning a shirt, eating, or writing, can become overwhelming, leading to frustration, embarrassment, and a diminished quality of life. 

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Howard Faber, a Michigan-based magician who spent decades entertaining audiences before essential tremor forced him to step away from the stage. Howard discusses his experience with focused ultrasound, a noninvasive treatment that ultimately transformed his condition. 

He reflects on his journey with progressively worsening tremors, the turning point when Medicare approved focused ultrasound treatment, and his life-changing experience undergoing the procedure. Today, Howard has returned to performing, having regained complete control of his hands and his life.

Discussion highlights:

The Impact of Essential Tremor: Discover how Howard's progressive tremors interfered with his daily life and his beloved magic career, leading to moments of embarrassment and the difficult decision to stop performing.

A Life-Changing Procedure: Follow Howard's experience undergoing focused ultrasound treatment at the Cleveland Clinic, from the preparation process to the emotional moment he realized his tremor was completely gone.

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. 

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

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FUSF WEBSITE
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FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES
https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/

SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER
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READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER
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The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vital protective mechanism that shields the brain from harmful substances, but it also poses a significant challenge in treating neurological diseases. For patients with aggressive brain tumors or neurodegenerative conditions, the BBB can prevent life-saving therapies and chemotherapeutic agents from reaching their targets, leaving limited treatment options.

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Ying Meng, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon and scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto. Dr. Meng is at the forefront of advancing noninvasive brain therapies, leading efforts to translate preclinical focused ultrasound research into clinical application. She shares insights from groundbreaking clinical trials using focused ultrasound to enable targeted drug delivery across the BBB for conditions such as pediatric gliomas and breast cancer metastases, as well as insights on liquid biopsy biomarkers.

Discussion highlights:

The Future of Accessible Treatment: Dr. Meng’s perspective on the next decade of innovation, including the potential shift of focused ultrasound procedures from specialized MRI environments to more accessible, bedside settings within standard infusion centers—broadening patient access and improving treatment tolerability.

Center of Excellence (COE): Established as a COE in 2016, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is conducting research for focused ultrasound in neurology, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, gynecology, radiation oncology, and biomedical engineering. The COE program recognizes luminary sites for their excellence in translational and clinical research, training, and patient care.

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. 

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

LinkedIn

X

Facebook

Instagram

TikTok

YouTube

FUSF WEBSITE
https://www.fusfoundation.org

FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES
https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/

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/