Curing with Sound Podcast

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation Designates Aarhus University Hospital as a Center of Excellence

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Charlottesville, VA, 9/5/25—The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has designated Aarhus University Hospital in Denmark as a Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence. Aarhus becomes the first Center of Excellence in Scandinavia and the 15th worldwide, joining a global network of leading institutions advancing the development and adoption of focused ultrasound technology. Left to Right: Neurosurgeon and PhD Andreas Nørgaard Glud; Professoral Chair, Dept. of Neurosurgery Jens Christian Hedemann Sørensen; Neuroscientist and postdoc Rikke Hahn Kofoed. Photo credits: Tonny Foghmar The Foundation’s Centers of Excellence Program was established in 2009 to recognize and support institutions that are leading the field in research, development, and clinical adoption of focused ultrasound. This designation recognizes Aarhus University Hospital’s multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to advancing focused ultrasound research, clinical care, and education. The Center will serve as a hub for collaboration, uniting expertise in neurology, neurosurgery, oncology, radiology, psychiatry, and engineering. “The work being done at Aarhus University Hospital demonstrates the extraordinary potential of focused ultrasound—from improving treatments for movement disorders to pioneering new approaches for Parkinson’s and dementia,” said Neal F. Kassell, MD, Founder and Chairman of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. “Aarhus University Hospital is significantly expanding access to focused ultrasound in Scandinavia and accelerating the global effort to make focused ultrasound a standard of care.” Focused ultrasound was first introduced at Aarhus in 2022 as a treatment for essential tremor, making it the first public hospital in Scandinavia to offer the noninvasive therapy. By 2024, more than 170 patients had been treated. Beginning in fall 2025, the hospital will offer bilateral treatment for essential tremor and initiate a clinical study for tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease. In 2023, Aarhus University and Aarhus University Hospital established a preclinical focused ultrasound platform that now supports multiple projects with capacity to treat more than 60 animals per week. Current preclinical research focuses on modulation of Parkinson’s-related dementia, supported among others by the Foundation, the Carlsberg Foundation, and EU Horizon. Over the next two years, the program will expand to include neuromodulation (e.g., transcranial ultrasound stimulation) and focused ultrasound gene therapy. “We are honoured and delighted with the designation as a Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence,” says Jens Christian Hedemann Sørensen, Professorial Chair, Dept. of Neurosurgery and Danish Neuroscience Centre. “Focused ultrasound treatment is a giant leap in our efforts to improve the quality of life of the most severely affected patients with essential tremor and holds great potential for other indications. At Aarhus University Hospital and Danish Neuroscience Centre, we are looking forward to expanding our collaboration with other leading clinics and research centers for the benefit of patients with movement disorders.” Future studies at Aarhus will also explore blood-brain barrier opening for targeted drug delivery and neurostimulation, with the potential to transform treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, brain tumors, and psychiatric disorders. An upcoming 2025 study in tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease will integrate biomarkers, liquid biopsy, advanced imaging, and neuropsychological evaluations to optimize patient selection and long-term outcomes. Aarhus University Hospital has been recognized as Denmark’s best hospital 15 times by Dagens Medicin and was ranked No. 12 on Newsweek’s “World’s Best Smart Hospitals” list in 2024, placing it second in Europe. The hospital is also a leader in integrating advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotic surgery, telemedicine, digital health applications, and precision imaging. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including high-resolution human and animal PET and MRI, support both preclinical and clinical research, with a cross-disciplinary team dedicated to patient care, training, and innovation. About Focused UltrasoundFocused 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, and the prostate. 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. About the Focused Ultrasound FoundationBased 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 Aarhus University HospitalAarhus University Hospital is one of the largest and most specialized hospitals in Denmark, providing advanced care and conducting world-class research across a wide range of medical disciplines. The hospital collaborates closely with Aarhus University and other institutions to integrate research, innovation, and education into patient care.
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UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer UK Partner to Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

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The organisations are collaborating to support pioneering research at the University of Oxford London, UK, 7/15/25—The UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation and Pancreatic Cancer UK announced a new partnership to co-fund a preclinical study at the University of Oxford investigating whether focused ultrasound can enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy to treat pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal forms of cancer. In the UK alone, more than 10,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year. Over half die within three months of diagnosis, making it the deadliest common cancer. The disease is notoriously difficult to detect early, with 80% of patients diagnosed at an advanced stage. Surgery is the only potentially curative treatment and only available to around 10% of patients due to late-stage diagnosis. The study, led by co-principal investigators Keaton Jones, MSc, DPhil, FRCS, and Michael Gray, PhD, at the University of Oxford, explores whether focused ultrasound can disrupt tumours and improve the delivery of immunotherapy, an approach that boosts the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. Early evidence suggests that combining focused ultrasound with immunotherapy could help overcome the unique challenges pancreatic cancer presents. Focused ultrasound uses noninvasive, high-frequency sound waves to destroy tumour tissue and may reduce the immunosuppressive environment that makes pancreatic tumours so difficult to treat. By increasing immune cell access and enhancing drug delivery, this combination could improve outcomes. “Finding a treatment for pancreatic cancer is one of the greatest unmet needs in oncology,” said Philip Keevil MA, (Oxon), MBA, FRSA, chairman and trustee of the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation. “We need bold, innovative approaches like focused ultrasound to change the odds for patients. This partnership reflects our commitment to delivering hope through science.” “We are thrilled to be co-funding this vital project with the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation,” said Dr. Chris Macdonald, head of research at Pancreatic Cancer UK. “Immunotherapy is an immensely exciting treatment that has improved survival for other cancers like leukaemia but has so far been ineffective for pancreatic cancer due to its ability to hide from the immune system, and the thick shell of tissue that surrounds the tumour. We hope that the addition of focused ultrasound will, in future, make immunotherapy a viable treatment option for thousands of people diagnosed each year in the UK.” This latest collaboration is part of an ongoing effort by both organizations to drive innovation and accelerate new treatment options for pancreatic cancer. ### About Focused UltrasoundFocused ultrasound uses ultrasound energy guided by real-time imaging to treat tissue deep in the body without incisions or radiation. There are currently 34 indications in various stages of development in the UK and more than 180 worldwide, including Alzheimer’s disease and tumours of the brain, liver, breast, and pancreas. Worldwide, 32 have regulatory approval, and in the UK, 13 have achieved CE marking. About the UK Focused Ultrasound FoundationEstablished in 2023, the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation was created to improve the lives of millions of people worldwide by accelerating the development of this noninvasive technology. The UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation, along with its US counterpart, works to clear the path to global adoption by organising and funding research, fostering collaboration, and building awareness among patients and professionals. About Pancreatic Cancer UKPeople affected by pancreatic cancer deserve more than hope – they need results. That’s why Pancreatic Cancer UK is making more noise for those who have gone unheard for too long, bringing more research breakthroughs, more change through campaigning and more support.
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Focused Ultrasound for ALS: Neuromodulation Clinical Trial Begins in Spain

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Key Points A clinical trial in Spain is now enrolling participants with non-familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).  The Foundation and the ALS Association are co-funding the research study, which is testing neuromodulation to slow the progression of the disease. A two-stage pilot clinical trial is underway in Barcelona to investigate the use of focused ultrasound neuromodulation as a potential treatment for ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The ALS Association and the Focused Ultrasound Foundation are jointly funding this project.  In this study, titled “Modulation of the motor pathway by transcranial pulse stimulation (TPS) in people with ALS: A pilot randomized trial,” investigators will test whether TPS can be used to decrease motor cortex hyperexcitability and therefore slow the progression of ALS. TPS is a noninvasive, neuronavigation-guided form of neuromodulation that delivers ultra-short mechanical waves of low intensity focused ultrasound.  The trial (NCT 06681610) is taking place in Barcelona and being led by Pablo Villoslada, MD, chair of neurology at Hospital del Mar and director of the Neurosciences Program at Hospital del Mar Research Institute, and Alba León, MD, a neurophysiologist at Hospital del Mar. A total of 50 adult participants will be enrolled per the study’s inclusion and exclusion criteria (e.g., familial ALS is excluded). The research team will first use the Storz Medical Neurolith device to deliver the TPS.  In Stage 1, the first 10 participants will receive six sessions of open-label TPS over a two-week period and then researchers will measure any excitability changes in the motor cortex and plasma biomarkers (neurofilament s, TDP43, and tau in extracellular vesicles of neuronal origin) from baseline to week eight.  In Stage 2 — the randomized, double blind, sham-controlled part of the clinical study — an additional 40 participants (20 per group) will receive either the TPS treatment or a sham TPS treatment. The two groups will be compared to determine any differences in motor cortex activity.   After Stage 2 is complete, investigators will also measure changes from baseline to month 6 in the total score of the ALS functional rating scale-revised (or ALSFRS-R).  Those in the sham cohort will have the opportunity to receive TPS stimulation after a period of time to ensure all participants benefit from the clinical trial. This group’s outcomes after the crossover will not be factored into the trial results.    “ALS is a devastating disease, and any new therapeutic approach to help patients is a top priority,” said Dr. Villoslada. “Focused ultrasound and TPS provide the ability to modulate neural network functioning and eventually restore motor function. TPS’s mechanism of action works mainly through increasing blood microcirculation in the cortex. We will assess such effects using biomarkers and clinical scales.”   To date, the first seven participants have been enrolled in the clinical trial, which is expected to continue enrollment through December 2025.   In 2023, the Focused Ultrasound Foundation and the ALS Association established a partnership funding program with the goal of advancing the development of new focused ultrasound applications for the treatment and diagnosis of ALS. The organizations each extended up to $500,000 in funding to support research projects that address critical unanswered questions to treat ALS patients. Noninvasively modulating the motor cortex with the goal of improving function in patients with ALS was specified as an area of interest for the partnership.  For Patients If you are interested in learning more about this clinical trial, please contact:   Alba León, MD +34932 48 30 00 aleonjorba@hmar.cat  Sergio Vidal, MD +34932 48 30 00 sergio.vidal.notari@hmar.cat 
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Focused Ultrasound for Prostate Cancer: UK Foundation Helps Raise Awareness

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Key Points An awareness event in London was attended by more than 50 guests.  Professor Hashim Ahmed presented on advances in diagnosing and treating the disease, and a focused ultrasound patient shared his story. The UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation (UKFUSF) played a key role in organizing a recent educational event in London to raise awareness of focused ultrasound as a treatment for prostate cancer. Held at a private members’ club, the invitation-only gathering welcomed around 50 attendees, including club members and their guests.  Professor Hashim Ahmed, chair of urology at Imperial College London, gave a presentation on advances in diagnosing and treating prostate cancer. Prof. Ahmed is a pioneer in the development and adoption of minimally invasive prostate treatment therapies, including especially high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).  Professor Hashim Ahmed Guests also heard a compelling personal account from a club member who underwent a successful HIFU treatment with Prof. Ahmed and remains in remission.  Among the guests were Miss Lucy Simmons, consultant urological surgeon at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath; Mr. Chandran Tanabalan, consultant urological surgeon at Northampton General Hospital; and Charles Packshaw, former chairman of Prostate Cancer UK.  Both Prof. Ahmed and Miss Simmons currently treat patients with prostate cancer using the Sonablate HIFU device. In December 2023, UKFUSF partnered with the prostate cancer charity Prost8 to fund the Sonablate system at RUH Bath. The Foundation is also assisting in fundraising efforts to purchase a device for Northampton General Hospital, where Mr. Tanabalan will begin treating patients with HIFU.   Philip Keevil, UKFUSF chairman, remarked: “These awareness events are so important to the Foundation, as most men suffering from cancer of the prostate – and even many physicians – are unaware of focused ultrasound as a noninvasive treatment without the debilitating side effects of the standard of care that is surgical resection and/or radio therapy.” 
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Pancreatic Cancer: Two Focused Ultrasound Clinical Trials Have Begun in Germany New Pancreatic Cancer Clinical Trial Begins in France