Summary: Quo vadis?

The Brain Workshop marked a milestone in the evolution of MRgFUS in the brain.  Several concrete initiatives were started with collaborations formed at the Workshop.  These include the Remote Effects Task Force, formation and determination of a collaborative plan from the neuromodulation Research Program Planning Group (RPPG), refinement of a research plan from the ischemic stroke RPPG, and consolidation of results to date for the intracerebral/intraventricular hemorrhage RPPG.  In addition, momentum from the workshop was used to begin work on clinical protocols for the treatment of malignant gliomas, metastatic brain tumors, meningiomas, pituitary macroadenomas, and essential tremor.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Kassell reflected on our original Metrics of Success:

1. We have some answers to burning questions, and many new questions.
2. We have an outline of a comprehensive work plan.
3. We have an actionable plan for 4-5 pilot clinical studies.
4. We have created a climate and a structure for collaboration.  Academic institutions are cooperating with each other and with companies, and companies collaborating with each other.

He also made the following summary statements:

• Constraints of time eliminated some important topics.  We did not have time to deal with all of the important questions.
• We will initiate discussions with leaders at the NIH to help move this effort forward.

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Feedback from participants was very enthusiastic and positive.  Due to the rapid progress in this field, we anticipate hosting another Brain Workshop March 21-24, 2010 [tentative].

Keep it rolling!