Magnetic Resonance Imaging-guided Focused Ultrasound is a new technology for non-invasive surgery, the precise delivery of drugs, and an alternative to radiation therapy. It promises improved outcomes and faster recovery for tumors and other conditions. The Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation was established in 2006 with the mission to shorten the time from technology development to patient treatment; to foster new applications; and to accelerate the worldwide adoption of focused ultrasound surgery.
The Foundation will engage in three primary activities: education, translational and clinical research, and the creation of a network of research and development centers.
Education
The education of both clinicians and patients is critical to the adoption of MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery in clinical practice and as a standard of care. To that end, the Foundation will:
- Fund fellowships to train surgeons, radiologists, and radiation oncologists and other specialists in the new discipline of focused ultrasound surgery.
- Sponsor training courses for physicians, conferences, symposia, and workshops.
- Provide on-line media in the form of a library, website, blog, and newsletter, as well as a forum for patients to communicate with other patients, and a forum for physicians to communicate with other physicians via the internet.
- Undertake programs to increase awareness among patients, physicians, regulatory agents, and payors.
Research
MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery is in its infancy, comparable to the stage where computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were 30 years ago. In order to help the technology reach its full potential for improving lives, the Foundation will:
- Fund preclinical research projects and pilot clinical trials related to the application or use of MR-guided focused ultrasound technology, with preference being given to projects with the most potential for clinical impact.
- Be involved with designing, organizing, and conducting pre-clinical and clinical studies in a collaborative, site independent manner through a network of investigators, facilities, and funding sources.
- Support a forum whereby investigators can communicate results of studies on temporaneously with other investigators.
- Maintain a registry of treated patients.
- Maintain an inventory of research projects.
- Serve as a coordinating center for clinical trials.
Build a Collaborative Community
The successful development and adoption of MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery requires that the Foundation help build bridges across traditional boundaries of organizations and medical specialties. To achieve this goal, the Foundation will:
- Create a network of research and development centers that will facilitate boundary-less collaboration between investigators and facilities.
- Facilitate the creation of centers of excellence.
- Build a closely related network of commercial sites to help develop and share best practices, address common issues such as reimbursement, and identify new clinical applications.
Other Activities
- Promote the formation of a Focused Ultrasound Surgery Society with an associated journal.
- Facilitate the creation of patient support organizations.
- Work with the clinical societies, hospitals and patients to facilitate reimbursement.
- Create an association of non-academic MRgFUS sites to foster best practices, address issues such as reimbursement, and identify new clinical applications that require research and development.
- Provide expertise in intellectual property and regulatory issues.
