MRI-guided focused ultrasound surgery.

Authors: Jolesz FA

MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) surgery is a noninvasive thermal ablation method that uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for target definition, treatment planning, and closed-loop control of energy deposition. Integrating FUS and MRI as a therapy delivery system allows us to localize, target, and monitor in real time, and thus to ablate targeted tissue without damaging normal structures. This precision makes MRgFUS an attractive alternative to surgical resection or radiation therapy of benign and malignant tumors. Already approved for the treatment of uterine fibroids, MRgFUS is in ongoing clinical trials for the treatment of breast, liver, prostate, and brain cancer and for the palliation of pain in bone metastasis. In addition to thermal ablation, FUS, with or without the use of microbubbles, can temporarily change vascular or cell membrane permeability and release or activate various compounds for targeted drug delivery or gene therapy. A disruptive technology, MRgFUS provides new therapeutic approaches and may cause major changes in patient management and several medical disciplines.

Introduction

Purpose Thermal ablation

Study Objective To describe MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) as a noninvasive thermal ablation method and assess its therapeutic applications and potential to transform patient management.

MRI or image guidance method MRI-guided (MRgFUS)

Outcomes and Safety

Summary of Outcomes MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) produces precise, noninvasive thermal ablation of targeted tissues while sparing normal structures and is clinically approved for uterine fibroids and being tested for breast, liver, prostate, brain cancers and bone metastasis pain palliation. Focused ultrasound, with or without microbubbles, also transiently increases vascular and cell membrane permeability to enable targeted drug delivery and gene therapy.

Safety-related matter The authors state MRgFUS can ablate targeted tissue "without damaging normal structures," implying minimal collateral injury; no adverse effects are reported in the text.

Brain Region

Visualization unavailable

Ultrasound Parameters

Focal Characteristics focal depth: None, focal length: None, aperture size: None

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