Curing with Sound

Latest Episodes:

Ep21: Focused Ultrasound: A Look Ahead - Foundation Experts Highlight 2024 Milestones and the Vision for 2025 Jan 10, 2025

Show notes

In this special episode of Curing with Sound, Foundation team members share an overview of the advancements in focused ultrasound over the past year and provide a look at what’s ahead for the field in 2025. From groundbreaking clinical applications to increased global adoption, this episode highlights the field’s remarkable growth and its impact on patients and animals alike.
The discussion covers a wide range of topics, including the latest research on focused ultrasound for Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, chronic pain, brain tumors, and veterinary applications, as well as innovations in gene and cell therapy. Our experts also address the critical transition from research to commercial treatment and the challenges of increasing awareness among clinicians and patients.
Expert topics include:

Neal Kassell, MD, highlights focused ultrasound’s transition to commercial treatment, with advancements in prostate cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and cancer immunotherapy.
Suzanne LeBlang, MD, provides an update on the latest breakthroughs in Alzheimer’s research, including the use of focused ultrasound to safely open the blood-brain barrier. She also discusses neuromodulation for psychiatric conditions like depression and OCD.
Lauren Powlovich, MD, shares progress in chronic pain management using thalamic ablation and neuromodulation, and improving outcomes for brain tumor treatments like glioblastoma.
Kelsie Timbie, PhD, explores veterinary applications, including noninvasive treatments for cancer and diabetes in pets.
Frédéric Padilla, PhD, discusses gene and cell therapy and explains how focused ultrasound is overcoming delivery challenges through blood-brain barrier opening, nanoparticle therapies, and partnerships to advance treatments for brain diseases.

EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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Ep20: John Dutton: A Parkinson's Patient's Life-Changing Experience with Focused Ultrasound Dec 19, 2024

Show notes

John Dutton is a patient with both Parkinson's disease and Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, John shares how focused ultrasound treatment dramatically improved his quality of life by virtually eliminating his Parkinson-related tremors. He discusses his progression of symptoms, details his focused ultrasound procedure, and encourages others to explore this treatment as a viable option for managing tremors associated with Parkinson's disease.

Watch John's patient story and documentary film
All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs.
SHOW TRANSCRIPT
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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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Ep19: From Alzheimer’s to ALS: The Latest in Brain Immunology with John Lukens, PhD Dec 05, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Curing with Sound, John Lukens, PhD, a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Virginia, shares his groundbreaking research on the connection between the immune system and the brain in combating neurological disorders. He discusses the role of focused ultrasound in enhancing immunotherapy and opening new treatment possibilities for conditions like Alzheimer's, ALS, and brain tumors.

Dr. Lukens explains how recent discoveries about the brain's lymphatic system are reshaping our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases. He also details how focused ultrasound is being used to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, allowing therapies to reach targeted areas more effectively. The conversation sheds light on how these approaches are pushing the boundaries of treatment possibilities for both neurodegenerative and cancer-related brain conditions.

SHOW TRANSCRIPT
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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

Ep18: Global Experts Reveal Latest Advances in Focused Ultrasound for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment Nov 21, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Curing with Sound, three leading experts in focused ultrasound technology share their groundbreaking work in pancreatic cancer treatment. Dr. Feng Wu from Oxford University, Dr. Jae Young Lee from Seoul National University Hospital, and Dr. Joan Vidal-Jové from Barcelona's Comprehensive Tumor Center discuss their innovative approaches to treating one of medicine's most challenging cancers using noninvasive focused ultrasound techniques.
The episode provides insights into the evolution and future of focused ultrasound technology in cancer treatment. The experts detail how their work addresses key challenges in pancreatic cancer treatment, from enhancing drug delivery to activating immune responses.
Key Points:

Focused ultrasound technology shows particular promise in addressing the unique challenges of pancreatic cancer, including the ability to precisely target tumors while preserving surrounding critical structures.
Multiple treatment pathways are being explored simultaneously: thermal ablation (HIFU), mechanical stimulation for drug delivery enhancement, and histotripsy for immune system activation, offering new hope for patients with limited treatment options.
Dr. Lee shares exciting results from his phase II clinical trial combining focused ultrasound with chemotherapy, achieving a 63% objective response rate.
Dr. Wu discusses combining HIFU ablation with drug delivery to overcome limitations in treating pancreatic cancer.
Dr. Vidal-Jové reveals how histotripsy treatment has shown remarkable immune system activation effects.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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Ep17: Conquering Compulsions: How Focused Ultrasound Gave Rima Relief from Severe OCD Nov 07, 2024

Show notes

In this compelling episode of Curing with Sound, Rima Youssef shares her transformative journey battling severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) since childhood. Learn how a focused ultrasound clinical trial at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center offered hope when traditional treatments failed, leading to a remarkable turnaround in Rima's life.

Rima's story is a testament to the potential of focused ultrasound in treating neurological disorders. From the onset of her symptoms at age six to participating in a groundbreaking clinical trial at Sunnybrook in 2021, Rima candidly discusses her struggles with debilitating OCD and the impact of the focused ultrasound procedure on her recovery. Her experience sheds light on the challenges of living with treatment-resistant OCD and the life-changing potential of this innovative, noninvasive technology.

Key points from the conversation:

Rima's OCD journey, including early onset at age 6 and escalation of symptoms that by age 12, left her unable to attend school or even play outside
Rima's decision to participate in the focused ultrasound clinical trial and her experience with the procedure
The gradual improvement in Rima's symptoms post-treatment, allowing her to return to work and regain a sense of normalcy in her life
Rima's advocacy for wider accessibility of focused ultrasound treatment for OCD patients

All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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Ep16: Treating Advanced Breast Cancer with Noninvasive Focused Ultrasound and Radiation: A Conversation with Dr. Gregory Czarnota Oct 24, 2024

Show notes

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Greg Czarnota, a senior scientist and radiation oncologist at Sunnybrook Research Institute in Toronto, discusses his innovative research using focused ultrasound in breast cancer treatment. Dr. Czarnota shares promising results from his phase I clinical trial using focused ultrasound-stimulated microbubbles to enhance radiotherapy in patients with advanced breast cancers.
Key points from the conversation include:

The origins of Dr. Czarnota's interest in focused ultrasound and its application in enhancing radiotherapy.
He shares details of the upcoming phase II clinical trials that will be enrolling patients with inoperable breast cancer.
Technical advances with the Arrayus focused ultrasound device could treat larger and more complex tumors.

Dr. Czarnota has also developed ultrasound imaging methods to detect cell death.
SHOW TRANSCRIPT
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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

Ep15: Disrupting Media and Medicine: A Conversation with Jane Metcalfe on Focused Ultrasound and the Neobiological Revolution Oct 10, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Curing with Sound, Jane Metcalfe, entrepreneur, editor, and co-founder of Wired magazine, shares her insights on the intersection of technology, biology, and healthcare. She explains her role as co-chair of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s Council and her passion for advancing this groundbreaking noninvasive technology.
Metcalfe emphasizes the potential of focused ultrasound to revolutionize medical treatments for various conditions and speaks to the importance of raising awareness among patients and medical professionals. She discusses the challenges facing the adoption of focused ultrasound, including lack of awareness, economic barriers, and the need for changes in medical education.
Key points from the conversation include:

The unique approach Wired magazine took in covering technology, focusing on its societal impact rather than just technical specifications.
The concept of the "neobiological revolution" and its potential to transform our understanding of human health and medical treatments.
Metcalfe's introduction to focused ultrasound technology and her role in advocating for its adoption as co-chair of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation’s Council.
Metcalfe's views on the accelerating progress in focused ultrasound research and the potential for disrupting traditional healthcare models.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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Ep14: Bobby Krause: From Early Onset Parkinson's Patient to Focused Ultrasound Advocate Sep 26, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we meet Bobby Krause, a former college athlete and sales executive who was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson's disease at age 42. Bobby candidly discusses his struggle with debilitating tremors that impacted his ability to engage with his family and perform at work. After experiencing severe side effects from medications, Bobby turned to focused ultrasound treatment for help. Bobby provides a vivid account of the focused ultrasound procedure, describing the immediate and profound results he experienced. Within hours, his tremors disappeared and muscle rigidity eased, allowing him to hike with his sons the very same day. Bobby remains tremor-free and has returned to coaching basketball and other activities he previously enjoyed. Now a passionate advocate for focused ultrasound technology, Bobby has spoken to U.S. policymakers about his experience and founded the Be Still Foundation. The foundation aims to provide financial assistance for those seeking focused ultrasound treatment and raise awareness about this innovative technology.

Be Still Foundation

SHOW TRANSCRIPT

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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

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Ep13: Champions of Hope: Spotlighting Advocates for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we speak with Gavin and Wendy Lindberg, founders of The EVAN Foundation, and Dena Sherwood, founder of Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation. These passionate advocates, each profoundly impacted by childhood cancer, share their personal stories and discuss how their organizations support families, fund crucial research including innovative treatments like focused ultrasound, and raise awareness for pediatric cancers.
The guests share heartfelt stories about their foundations' programs, including The EVAN Foundation's Treats and Treasures Carts and scholarship initiatives, and Arms Wide Open's family support services and research funding efforts. They emphasize the urgent need for increased funding for childhood cancer research and explore the potential of focused ultrasound technology in treating childhood cancers, highlighting its promise for reducing treatment toxicity and improving quality of life for survivors.
Listeners will gain insight into the challenges faced by children with cancer and their families, the long-term effects of current treatments, and the critical importance of supporting childhood cancer research.
The EVAN Foundation
Arms Wide Open Childhood Cancer Foundation
CureFestUSA.org

SHOW TRANSCRIPT

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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

Ep12: From Anesthesiology to Focused Ultrasound: A Conversation with Dr. Lauren Powlovich Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Lauren Powlovich shares her journey from anesthesiology to her current role as Associate Director of Research and Education at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. From her early exposure to healthcare through her family of nurses to her own unique career path in the medical field, Dr. Powlovich reveals her passion for helping others and her excitement about the revolutionary use of focused ultrasound to treat pediatric brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Powlovich highlights the importance of collaboration and accessibility in advancing the field of focused ultrasound. She discusses the challenges of making focused ultrasound devices more widely available, particularly in smaller hospitals and remote areas, and the need for more affordable and convenient technology. As a woman in a male-dominated field, Dr. Powlovich reflects on the challenges of balancing motherhood with a demanding occupation and emphasizes the value of having inspiring female role models and mentors throughout her career.

SHOW TRANSCRIPT

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QUESTIONS?
Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances.

Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.

FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA

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