Charlottesville, VA, December 9, 2025 — The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has designated Turku University Hospital in Finland as a Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence, with the health center joining institutions across the globe advancing focused ultrasound technology for the benefit of patients.
One of the largest academic medical centers in Northern Europe, Turku is a national leader in focused ultrasound, with significant clinical experience and research capabilities. The multidisciplinary team working in high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) includes radiologists, gynecologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, urologists, oncologists, and medical physicists.
Since 2016, Turku has performed more than 700 focused ultrasound treatments across multiple clinical indications, including uterine fibroids, adenomyosis, endometriosis, desmoid tumors, osteoid osteoma, bone metastases, prostate cancer, essential tremor, and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease.
“Our dedicated team has established an expertise unit where Neuro-HIFU treatments are central to our mission of advancing patient care and clinical innovation,” said Mikko Pietilä, Director of Turku University Hospital Services. “The recognition and support from the Focused Ultrasound Foundation is instrumental in fostering international research collaboration, accelerating the development of new therapies, and ensuring that our patients benefit from the latest advances in focused ultrasound technology.”
The extensive research produced by Turku investigators has led to numerous peer-reviewed publications across a range of indications. Their technological and methodological developments are helping to inform optimal focused ultrasound practices and next-generation protocols.
Directed by Professor Roberto Blanco Sequeiros, European Union-funded research underway at Turku could result in significant advances supporting increased adoption of focused ultrasound as a standard of care for numerous conditions, including tumor detection and treatment of uterine fibroids, prostate cancer, movement disorders, and bone tumor palliation. Additionally, Sequeiros and colleagues are investigating the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to help identify patients who may benefit most from focused ultrasound therapy. The researchers expect the AI project to generate substantial international impact with broad applicability to clinical practice.
Preclinical research at Turku includes ex vivo studies with mesoporous silicon nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery and a planned histotripsy research project.
Turku has further distinguished itself through a commitment to education and knowledge dissemination in the field, hosting international multidisciplinary research teams to promote shared learning and innovation. The institution actively participates in multicenter trials, data-sharing initiatives, international conferences, and symposia to accelerate evidence generation and global adoption.
“Turku University Hospital is a true global leader in advancing focused ultrasound,” said Neal F. Kassell, MD, founder and chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. “The Center of Excellence designation recognizes Turku’s immense contributions to clinical care and leading-edge research in Europe and beyond, along with a collaborative nature that ensures their work benefits as many patients as possible.”
Learn more about Turku University Hospital neuromodulation therapies and the Turku High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Research Center.
About Focused Ultrasound
Focused ultrasound uses ultrasound energy guided by real-time imaging to treat tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation. It is FDA-approved in the United States to treat essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, liver tumors, uterine fibroids, pain from bone metastases, osteoid osteoma, the prostate, and chronic low back pain. Dozens of additional indications are approved outside of the US. The technology is in various stages of research and development for more than 180 diseases, and its practice aligns with all European Union regulatory considerations.
About the Focused Ultrasound Foundation
Based in Charlottesville, VA, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation was created to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide by accelerating the development of focused ultrasound, a rapidly evolving, noninvasive technology. The Foundation works to clear the path to global adoption in the shortest time possible by organizing and funding research, fostering collaboration, and building awareness among patients and professionals. Since its establishment in 2006, the Foundation has become the largest nongovernmental funding source for focused ultrasound research.
About Turku University Hospital
Turku University Hospital (Tyks) offers specialized health care services in Southwest Finland. As a university-based wellbeing services county, Tyks continuously researches and develops care methods and operations. Each year, Tyks trains and educates approximately 8,000 students. Tyks publishes around 1,000 scientific articles and dozens of doctoral dissertations annually. Tyks’ expertise is internationally recognized.