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CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS
The FUS Foundation has funded serveral research projects with the intent of advancing the state of the art and adoption of
focused ultrasound therapy. Currently funded projects include:
| Projects Funded in 2008 |
MR Guided Pulsed High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Enhancement of Docetaxel Combined with
Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer Treatment
Principal Investigator: Lili Chen, Ph.D., Fox Chase Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Department
Co-Investigator: Alan Pollack, MD, Ph.D., Fox Chase Cancer Center, Radiation Oncology Department
Abstract : This project will determine whether (1) HIFU increases the cellular update of docetaxel in vivo, and (2) the increased
uptake of docetaxel combined with RT will enhance tumor growth inhibition. We will determine the optimal HIFU parameters, quantify the
update of docetaxel using a radioactive tritiated docetaxel and evaluate the efficacy of docetaxel+RT in inhibiting prostate
tumor growth in vivo. This research has the potential to improve local control and may also have effects on distant microscopic disease
by promoting immune response, which will also lay the foundation for other tumor models and studies on gene therapy and thrombolytic drugs.
MR-Guided High Intensity
Focused Ultrasound - Temperature Measurement
Principal Investigator: Dennis L. Parker, Ph.D., University of Utah, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Co-Investigator: Douglas Christensen, Ph.D., University of Utah, Department of Bioengineering
Abstract : Accurate, near-real-time temperature measurements are essential for effective
monitoring of all types of thermal therapies. Current methods are too slow, subject to
substantial errors from motion and fail in fat. We propose: 1) To develop a
modification of the PRF technique to allow simultaneous measurement of proton
longitudinal relaxation rate, T1. 2) To continue the implementation of model-based
linear predictive techniques to utilize the best estimate of tissue thermal properties
and linear predictive filtering (e.g. Kalman filter) to obtain the current estimate of the
temperature distribution from the prior temperature distribution. Tissue thermal
properties will be estimated based upon segmentation from multiple MRI contrasts
FUS-mediated Reversible Modulation of Region-specific Brain Function
Principal Investigator: Seung-Schik Yoo, Ph.D., Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology
Co-Investigators: Alexandra Golby, M.D. Ph.D., Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Neurosurgery;
Nathan McDannold, Ph.D., Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Focused Ultrasound Laboratory
Abstract :The goal of the proposed research is to investigate the feasibility of using low-intensity and lowfrequency
focused ultrasound energy to reversibly modulate the activity of a region-specific brain area. We will
modulate the cortical activity from an animal brain using FUS sonication, as monitored by real-time functional
MRI. Prior to the animal experiment, in-vitro phantoms containing neural cells will be constructed and
sonicated to estimate the range of suitable sonication parameters. This work is expected to provide an
unprecedented opportunity for the transient functional modulation of targeted brain regions, creating a new line
of applications, such as FUS-mediated functional mapping.
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| Projects Funded in 2007 |
Targeted Delivery of Controlled-Release Nanoparticles to Brain Tumors
Using Contrast Agent Microbubbles and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Principal Investigator: Richard Price, Ph.D., University of Virginia, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Co-Investigator: Jason Sheehan, M.D., Ph.D., University of Virginia, Department of Neurosurgery
Abstract : High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of brain tumors is complicated by heating
of the skull. Here, our goal is to overcome this limitation by developing an ultrasound-microbubble-based
therapeutic approach that complements HIFU by mechanically-damaging tumor tissue, occluding blood
flow, and depositing 5-FU bearing controlled-release nanoparticles into brain tumors at reduced power
levels. Experiments for monitoring nanoparticle delivery, blood flow changes, and tumor regression will
be performed using tumors implanted in mouse dorsal skinfold window chambers. We anticipate these
that studies will result in the successful development of a delivery method and agent(s) suitable for preclinical
testing with HIFU.
The Effect of Focused Ultrasound Thermal Ablation on Nerve Function
Principal Investigator: Nathan McDannold, Ph.D., Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Focused Ultrasound Laboratory
Co-Investigator: Natalia Vykhodtseva, Ph.D., Brigham & Women's Hospital, Department of Radiology, Focused Ultrasound Laboratory
Abstract :The goal of this work will be to investigate the safety of ablating tissue with focused ultrasound adjacent
to peripheral nerves or to nerve tracts in the brain. We propose experiments in which we ablate tissue adjacent
to the sciatic nerve and the optic nerve/tract in the brain and then evaluate nerve function. These experiments
are motivated by two promising targets for focused ultrasound treatment where critical nerve structures
need to be protected: prostate cancer and brain tumors. If successful, this work will allow good surgical
margins, thereby improving the effectiveness of focused ultrasound surgery and reducing local recurrence.
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