Key Points
- Three leading experts discussed focused ultrasound research for critically ill infants and children.
- The event was hosted by the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation, an organization that aims to advance the technology in the region.
On November 19, the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation (UK FUSF) hosted an awareness event, called “Saving Children’s Lives with Sound,” to advance focused ultrasound research for critically ill infants and children. The event, held at the Cavalry and Guards Club in London, featured a fireside chat of experts, including:
- Professor Gail ter Haar
Leader of the Therapeutic Ultrasound Group, Institute for Cancer Research - Professor Brian Davidson
Hepatobiliary & Liver Transplant Surgeon, Royal Free
Professor of Surgery, University College London - Professor Nader Saffari
Professor of Ultrasonics, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London
Attendees learned how noninvasive focused ultrasound is transforming treatment for pediatric indications, including childhood genetic metabolic disease and a clinical trial for twin-twin transfusion syndrome, an often fatal disease affecting identical twins. The group also discussed early research using focused ultrasound plus immunotherapy to treat pediatric neuroblastoma.
The event also served as the perfect venue to present Professor Wladslaw Gedroyc, a consultant radiologist at St. Mary’s Hospital, Imperial College National Health Service (NHS) Trust, with the Foundation’s 2024 Clinical Adoption Award. Prof. Gedroyc has been a champion of focused ultrasound for more than 20 years and has treated more than 800 patients with the technology.
“The UK FUSF greatly appreciates the interest in and support of research for these life-changing and rapidly evolving technologies,” said Philip Keevil, Chairman of the UK FUSF.
Last year, the UK FUSF formally launched its operations to advance the development and adoption of focused ultrasound in the United Kingdom. The Foundation 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 more accessible to the public.