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| Focus Feature: Focus on the United Kingdom |
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| New Foundation Established to Advance Focused Ultrasound in the United Kingdom |
Earlier this year, the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation (UK FUSF) formally launched operations to advance the development and adoption of focused ultrasound in the United Kingdom (UK). The UK FUSF aims to promote collaboration between policymakers, researchers, and leaders in the health field; raise awareness about this groundbreaking, rapidly evolving technology; and make noninvasive treatment accessible to the public.
Focused ultrasound treatment for both prostate cancer and essential tremor has National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) approval and National Health Service (NHS) England coverage. The technology has 32 regulatory approvals worldwide and is in various stages of research and development for more than 170 diseases and conditions, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, metastatic breast tumors, depression, epilepsy, tumors of the brain, liver, and pancreas, and more. However, patient access has been limited.
UK FUSF is working to increase availability of focused ultrasound treatment by enabling donations to be applied directly to laboratory research and clinical trials in the UK. Specific areas of focus for the UK FUSF include cancer immunotherapy, brain diseases, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, and pediatric applications.
There are currently 16 focused ultrasound research sites in the UK, and four manufacturers are active in the region. In 2013, the US-based Foundation selected the Institute of Cancer Research in the UK as just the second global Focused Ultrasound “Center of Excellence” and last month, the University of Oxford was added as a Center of Excellence as well, bringing the global total to eleven (five in Europe). UK FUSF is also partnering with Prost8 UK, a charity dedicated to promoting minimally invasive treatment for those with prostate cancer and is co-funding other important projects to advance focused ultrasound in the UK..
This Focus Feature highlights some of the leading physicians, companies, donors, and advocates who are working alongside UK FUSF to accelerate the widespread adoption of the technology in the UK and providing hope for those diagnosed with complex conditions.
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Patient Profile: Paul Sayer
- In 2018, Paul’s aggressive prostate cancer was successfully treated with high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
- Later that year, he founded the charity Prost8 UK to raise awareness and accessibility for the technology.
Read the Profile > |
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Company Profile: Sonablate Corporation
- Sonablate Corp. is a global leader in HIFU treatment of the prostate, with more than 30,000 patients treated worldwide.
- The company’s Chief Commercialization Officer, Alex Gonzalez, discusses the company, its business in the UK, and how their technology is changing lives.
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Chairman Profile: Philip Keevil
- Philip C. Keevil, MA (Oxon), MBA, FRSA, became involved with focused ultrasound in 2019 as an advisor to the US-based Foundation and currently serves as Chairman of the UK FUSF.
- He has more than 40 years of experience in investment banking and holds dual British and American citizenship.
- In this profile, he shares valuable insights into the mission and goals of UK FUSF.
Read the Profile > |
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