Blog

In the July 2011 issue of this newsletter, we reported that CHA Bundang Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea had become the first MR-guided FUS site in the world to treat more than 500 uterine fibroid patients. An email from Paul Wragg, MSc (MRI) European Applications Manager for InSightec, Ltd., informed us that another site had already passed this clinical milestone.

The Daily Progress, May 2009 The Foundation, the technology, and the development of the University of Virginia Focused Ultrasound Surgery Center are the focus of this early news coverage.Focused ultrasound surgery re-invents cancer treatment

Haifu operates its own 32-bed Clinical Center for Tumor Therapy at the 2nd Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University (CQMU). The center, which was the first to treat breast cancer and bone tumors with HIFU, draws patients from around the world. In 2004, the center added gynecological diseases to its clinical specialties and now treats patients with lichen sclerosis, squamous cell hyperplasia and chronic cervicitis. To build a global presence, Haifu has established relationships with leading academic research sites, including the University of Oxford (UK), University of Utah (USA), University of Chiba (Japan), Catholic University of Korea (South Korea) and University of Hong Kong (China). The company is also exploring new commercial opportunities, including a highly promising collaboration with Siemens Medical Solutions that is developing an MR-guided focused ultrasound system to treat uterine fibroids, osteosarcoma and other tumors.

Researcher interview: Hyun S. (Kevin) Kim, MD, Emory University, USA However, two new challenges quickly arose: gaining widespread physician adoption and insurance reimbursement. Both are needed to build traction against established surgical procedures – such as hysterectomy – and newer less-invasive approaches. Both require the availability of evidence demonstrating long-term patient benefits.