March 2018 - Symposium Keynote Speaker Announced and More…

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March 2018

2018 Symposium: Tech Innovator Will Deliver Keynote, Registration Opens

 
 


Make plans now to join us for the 6th International Symposium on Focused Ultrasound, to be held October 21-25, in Reston, Virginia. The four-day program will explore the latest in using focused ultrasound to treat a range of conditions across oncology, neurology, women's health, cardiovascular disease, pediatrics, and more. We will also address challenges to widespread adoption, such as technology gaps and commercialization efforts. 

We are also pleased to announce that Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, will deliver a keynote address on Tuesday, October 23. Additional speakers will be announced in the coming months. READ MORE >
 Foundation News

Technology Innovator to Deliver Keynote Address at Focused Ultrasound Symposium


Gary Shapiro, President and CEO of the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)™, which annually produces CES®, the largest technology and innovation show in the world, will deliver a keynote address at the 6th International Symposium on Focused Ultrasound on Tuesday, October 23, 2018. Shapiro will discuss the importance of innovation at the intersection of technology, business, and healthcare.  

READ MORE >

See Updates to Symposium Preliminary Program


The Symposium’s newly released preliminary program provides an overview of daily topics. The meeting begins with a Welcome Reception on Sunday, October 21. Plenary sessions and panel discussions start the following morning. We have also built in ample time for ad hoc meetings and collaboration among attendees, a central goal of the Symposium.

SEE THE NEW PROGRAM > 

Foundation Publishes 2017 Year In Review Report

In 2017, the field of focused ultrasound increased markedly in both size and scope. More than 100 clinical indications are now in various stages of research and development, and we have also seen a shift as the field matures toward the goal of achieving successful commercialization. 

Our 2017 Year In Review Report highlights the Foundation’s work as a driving force for this progress.


READ THE REPORT >

Chief Medical Officer Writes Article on Focused Ultrasound in Pediatrics



 

The March issue of DOTmed’s Healthcare Business News highlights some of the key advances and challenges in pediatric medicine. An article by the Foundation’s Chief Medical Officer, Tim Meakem, MD, adds to the conversation with an overview of the current state of the field for using focused ultrasound to treat young patients. The article shares the story of a 3-year-old patient, the youngest person to be treated using focused ultrasound.   

READ THE ARTICLE >

Donor Profile: Eddie Smith


 

Eddie Smith, owner, chairman and CEO of Grady-White Boats, first learned about focused ultrasound when his wife was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He has since become a supporter of the Foundation’s efforts in hopes of advancing focused ultrasound as a treatment option for his family, friends, and future generations. 

READ MORE >

 Patient News

March Marks Essential Tremor Awareness Month

How well do you know ET? Test your knowledge of this benign, but often debilitating, disease.

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Learn more about ET and connect with other patients.  

Insightec Partners with ET Patient for Awareness Campaign


In recognition of Essential Tremor Awareness Month, Insightec has partnered with a patient whose life has been changed by focused ultrasound. Alexandra Lebenthal was treated for essential tremor at Weill Cornell Medical Center in 2016. Throughout the month, Insightec is releasing weekly videos as part of their webcast series called “Coffee with Alex,” in which Alexandra discusses her diagnosis, treatment, and how she’s feeling today.

WATCH THE LATEST VIDEO >

Cigna to Cover Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer in the US


EDAP TMS has announced that Cigna is the first major private health insurance company in the US to reimburse prostate cancer patients who have failed radiation treatment and are eligible for focused ultrasound as a salvage therapy. Cigna is one of the five largest payors in the US, covering 15.9 million lives. The new policy aligns with National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recognizing that some men with localized prostate cancer may benefit from focused ultrasound and acknowledges the treatment as "medically necessary as a local treatment for recurrent prostate cancer following radiation therapy" for patients meeting specific medical criteria.

SEE THE CRITERIA >

 Research News

Sunnybrook To Open Landmark Neuromodulation Centre in Toronto


Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre announced that it will direct $10 million to establish the Harquail Centre for Neuromodulation, where researchers will explore using image-guided technologies like focused ultrasound to intervene in brain circuitry. The team plans to target some of the most challenging brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease, depression, OCD, cancer, Parkinson’s, ALS, PTSD, and more. Nir Lipsman, MD, PhD, will direct the Centre. Sunnybrook was named one of the Foundation's Focused Ultrasound Centers of Excellence in 2016.

READ MORE >

1st Quarter 2018 Foundation Research Awards

  

The Foundation has recently funded four research studies. Three of the projects – at Ohio State University, Weill Cornell Medical Center, and Stanford University – aim to improve the way focused ultrasound is used to treat brain disorders. The fourth – at the University of Virginia – will investigate whether focused ultrasound can improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients.

READ MORE >

Did you know? In 11 years, the Foundation has awarded $4.4 million to fund 44 completed, external research studies. These funded investigators have gone on to receive another $34.6 million in follow-on funding for their focused ultrasound work. This is an 8-fold increase in our investment. See the 2017 Year in Review Report >

Research Roundup

  

Focused ultrasound researchers are continually searching for ways to improve the technology and expand its use. This month, we share technical articles that describe how focused ultrasound could be used to slow the growth of aggressive brain tumors and treat internal organs that are in motion. Technological advances could also improve the speed of treatment and decrease cost of procedures performed through the intact skull. 

READ THE PAPERS >

For a full list of this month’s research, visit our free, online research library of focused ultrasound publications.

Tell us about your research news for our next newsletter >
 Industry News

Company Profile: Profound Medical




 

We recently interviewed Arun Menawat, PhD, CEO of the Toronto-based focused ultrasound manufacturer Profound Medical. The company's TULSA-PRO device is a catheter based MRI-guided system for the ablation of diseased prostate tissue from the inside out. Dr. Menawat describes what makes Profound Medical unique and shares his vision for the company's future.   

READ THE PROFILE >

Company Profile: Meggitt A/S




 

Meggitt A/S, based in Kvistgaard, Denmark, supplies piezoceramic materials that are used to create focused ultrasound transducers. To learn more about this important supply chain company, we interviewed Rasmus Lou-Møller, Meggitt’s Director of Engineering and Business Development. 

READ THE PROFILE >

Insightec Named Israel’s Most Innovative Company of 2018





 

Fast Company, an international and progressive business media brand, has selected Insightec as Israel’s most innovative company for 2018. The Israel sector list includes companies from all areas of business, and Insightec beat out innovators in underground utility monitoring, IT staffing, urban drone delivery, and more. According to their website, Fast Company is interested in “innovation in technology, leadership, world changing ideas, and design.” 

READ MORE >

EDAP TMS Launches First US-Based Focused Ultrasound Patient Registry for Prostate Treatment



 

French company EDAP TMS has created a new US-based prostate cancer patient registry for urologists. The Focal Robotic Ultrasound Ablation Registry, or “FoR-UsA,” has been designed to collect clinical data on patients treated with EDAP’s Ablatherm® Robotic High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) device. The database will track baseline and follow-up information on patients undergoing partial-gland ablation of the prostate. Participating organizations include the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Weill Cornell, Houston’s Methodist Hospital, Cleveland Clinic, Duke University, and the University of Southern California. EDAP plans to use registry data for additional FDA approvals and to support health insurance reimbursement efforts.

READ MORE >

Tell us about your industry news for our next newsletter >
 Media Coverage
Becker’s Spine Review | Dr. Jeffrey Elias Named Innovator of the Year for Pioneering Focused Ultrasound to Treat Essential Tremor: 5 Insights 3/16/18

OncLive | Expert Discusses Optimizing HIFU and Other Strategies in Prostate Cancer 3/13/18

Biz Journals | After Selling His Startup for $2B, Here's What the Co-founder of Mako Surgical is Working on Now 3/9/18

Health Imaging | Ultrasound: Where We're at and Where We're Going 3/8/18

Parkinson’s News Today | MRI-Focused Ultrasound Undergoing Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Parkinson’s Treatment 3/2/18

DOTmed | Israel includes Neuravive Focused Ultrasound for Essential Tremor in Health Services Plan 2/21/18

 
 Upcoming Events
March 17-22, 2018 Society for Interventional Radiology (SIR) Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA

April 21-27, 2018 American Academy of Neurology Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA

April 28-May 2, 2018 American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA


May 7-10, 2018 35th Annual Meeting of the Society for Thermal Medicine (STM), Tucson, AZ  

May 14-17, 2018 18th International Symposium for Therapeutic Ultrasound (ISTU), Nashville, TN

May 18-21, 2018 American Urological Association (AUA) Annual Meeting, San Francisco, CA

October 21-25, 2018 6th International Symposium on Focused Ultrasound, Reston, VA 

Abstract submission opens March 26, 2018
See the full calendar and submit your event >