Pediatrics: At a Glance
The Foundation recognizes the tremendous impact that focused ultrasound could have on children who are faced with several different diseases and conditions. The noninvasive nature of this technology makes it especially attractive as a treatment option for the pediatric population as it has fewer side effects than more traditional treatments. There are a variety of pediatric indications for which focused ultrasound is already being used or studied, but there remain many conditions which have clinical unmet needs where focused ultrasound could play a role.
Our Pediatrics Program
Through our dedicated Pediatrics Program and in collaboration with our partners and the research community, we aim to explore and assess the full potential of focused ultrasound for the pediatric population through support of preclinical laboratory studies, clinical trials and expanded regulatory approvals. Learn More >
Dive into the Field
The following videos, webinars and workshops review the state of the field and future directions for focused ultrasound in pediatrics.
Fireside Chat: Focused Ultrasound for Pediatrics
Suzanne LeBlang, MD, the Foundation’s Director of Clinical Relationships, gives a presentation on the status of pediatric focused ultrasound research, followed by Q+A session with Lauren Powlovich, MD, the Foundation’s Associate Chief Medical Officer.
Webinar: Focused Ultrasound for the Pediatric and Young Adult Population
The Foundation’s Associate Chief Medical Officer and scientific lead for the Pediatrics Program Lauren Powlovich, MD, delivers a comprehensive overview of the Foundation and focused ultrasound for Pediatrics.
Pediatric Device Innovators Forum: Focused Ultrasound for Pediatric Indications
The National Capital Consortium for Pediatric Device Innovation (NCC-PDI) held a Pediatric Device Innovators Forum where clinical, regulatory, and reimbursement experts discussed “Focused Ultrasound for Pediatric Indications.” The Foundation’s Chief Scientific Officer, Jessica Foley, PhD, participated in a keynote fireside chat alongside Michael Anderson, MD, Senior Advisor of the US Department of Health and Human Services and Children’s National Hospital (CNH). The program also featured case studies on osteoid osteoma and diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) as well as a discussion of reimbursement strategies and clinical trial design for novel technologies.
Della Seeks Focused Ultrasound for Bone Tumor
This is the story of Della, a patient who suffered from an Osteoid Osteoma, a benign but painful bone tumor. Seeking relief, she took part in a clinical trial for focused ultrasound treatment.
Workshops & Recommended Reading
Within the span of one year, the Foundation organized and hosted two workshops on Focused Ultrasound for Pediatrics. The first one, held in December 2020, convened experts to discuss an ongoing pediatric benign brain tumor clinical trial and next steps for this indication. The second workshop, held in October of 2021, concentrated on the current status and future directions of focused ultrasound for on Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma (DIPG), a devastating childhood cancer.
Summary: Benign Pediatric Brain Tumor Workshop – December 11, 2020
Recording: Focused Ultrasound for DIPG Workshop – October 27, 2021
Case Statement: Pediatrics and Focused Ultrasound Case Statement – January 2022
Partnerships
By partnering with organizations who share our passion for results and collaboration, we expand our reach in the global community, deepen stakeholder investment, and leverage our donors’ contributions to advance our mission. Partnerships include but are not limited to fundraising, in-kind contributions, awareness, strategic input, and advancing critical research.
The Foundation’s Pediatric Campaign
The Foundation has dedicated $3 million over the next 5 years to support research on focused ultrasound for pediatrics. Learn how you can donate to this cause >
Learn more about how to apply for funding >
Pediatric Focused Ultrasound In the News
Opening the Blood-Brain Barrier with Focused Ultrasound | Columbia News | July 8, 2021
“This has the potential for completely changing how we approach treatment for brain tumors. If we can safely open the blood-brain barrier with focused ultrasound, we can potentially use other medicines and lower concentrations of medicines in a very targeted way, while also reducing toxicity level overall for the patient undergoing therapy.” – Dr. Stergios Zacharoulis, Pediatric Oncologist at Columbia University
Focused Ultrasound Treatments Target Childhood Cancers | Physics World | November 19, 2020
“We think that focused ultrasound has potential to replace current local control mechanisms.” – Dr. AeRang Kim, Pediatric Oncologist at Children’s National Medical Center
FDA Approves Sonalleve MR-HIFU System for Osteoid Osteoma in the Extremities | OncLive | November 30, 2020
The approval was based on data of 9 pediatric patients with osteoid osteoma who were treated with MR-HIFU, in whom the device showed efficacy without technical difficulties or led to serious adverse events (AEs). Results showed that there was a statistically significant decrease in pain scores within 4 weeks of treatment, and no pain medication was used in 8 of the 9 patients after 4 weeks.
Questions?
If you would like to know more about the Foundation’s Pediatric initiative, please contact Associate Chief Medical Officer, Lauren Powlovich, MD.