Blog

Mayo Clinic, Duke Conducting FIRSTT Study Comparing FUS with Uterine Artery Embolization

Published: 27 September 2011

Patient enrollment is underway for the first US-based study comparing MR-guided focused ultrasound and uterine artery embolization (UAE) for the treatment of uterine fibroids. The study, called The Fibroid Interventions: Reducing Symptoms Today and Tomorrow (FIRSTT) trial, is now open at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and at Duke University in Durham, NC. Study participants will be randomly assigned for treatment with either FUS or UAE. Expected to provide important insights regarding the benefits and potential drawbacks of newer non-surgical treatment approaches for uterine fibroids, the study will follow patients for three years. Its goal is to assess how effective treatments are in symptom relief, side effects, impact on women’s quality of life, need for additional treatment, potential for future fertility and even the costs associated with each approach.

FUSF's First Center of Excellence Is Making a Mark on Focused Ultrasound Field

Published: 26 September 2011

The FUS Foundation’s Center of Excellence Program is preparing to expand. Our next designated site will soon be announced and embody the same multi-disciplinary, collaborative approach and commitment to pushing the R&D envelope as found at our first Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence, which celebrated its second anniversary this month.

MR-guided Focused Ultrasound Will Be Topic at TEDMED 2011

Published: 23 September 2011

Many readers of this newsletter know about TEDMED, the annual high-profile, mover and shaker event. It brings together a roster of health, information and technology professionals and pioneers who share their personal stories and spotlight developments and ideas that are shaping healthcare’s future. Key goals of TEDMED are to give thought leaders from various disciplines and industries an opportunity to learn from each other and to collectively address major problems in healthcare.

Facility Dedicated to Leading-edge Personalized Medicine Offers MR-guided focused Ultrasound

Published: 22 September 2011

“Visiting the center was like taking a journey into the future of healthcare. Its an amazing facility, organized around the concept of personalized medicine. The therapeutic goal is to create a positive and memorable experience for the patient,” Huff-Simonin says. Opened in October 2010, the center was created by Kwang Yul Cha, MD, the founder and head of CHA Health Systems. CHA currently operates a global network of healthcare facilities that includes Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles, 12 general hospitals in Korea and two fertility treatment and anti-aging research centers in the US and Korea.

Research on Focused Ultrasound and Fertility Receives International Honor

Published: 21 September 2011

Elizabeth Stewart, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA, was recently honored for her research on MR-guided focused ultrasound therapy and its effects on future fertility in women with uterine fibroids. On September 8, the Royan Institute – a non-profit, non-governmental research institute in Tehran, Iran – presented Stewart with a Royan International Research Award in the category of Female Infertility and Reproductive Imaging.

Focused Ultrasound Pioneer, Wladyslaw Gedroyc, MD, Named Honorary President of FUS Foundation’s 2012 International Symposium Public Radio Broadcasts Story on Essential Tremor Trial Reminder: Oct. 1 is Quarterly Submission Deadline for FUSF Research Awards Founding FUSF Donor Joins Warren Buffett's Leadership Team Worldwide Buzz Surrounds Innovative Medical Treatment Being Pioneered in Charlottesville