Ep51: From Research to Reality: Focused Ultrasound for Brain Tumors and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Ep53: Microbubble Technology and Focused Ultrasound: A Conversation with Sasha Klibanov, PhD

Targeted drug delivery to the brain has long been hindered by the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that prevents many therapeutic agents from reaching their intended targets. For patients with serious neurological disorders, this challenge can significantly reduce access to potentially effective treatments and limit therapeutic outcomes.  In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Sasha Klibanov, PhD, Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Virginia and a pioneering researcher in microbubble technology. Dr. Klibanov discusses the evolution of microbubbles from imaging contrast agents to sophisticated tools for drug delivery. He also explains how focused ultrasound, combined with microbubbles, can safely and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, creating new opportunities for precision therapies and advancing the potential of immunotherapy.  Discussion highlights: * Microbubble Technology Explained: Explore how microbubbles evolved from diagnostic imaging tools into powerful agents for precise drug delivery when combined with focused ultrasound. * Advancing Immunotherapy: Learn about Dr. Klibanov's collaborative research on using size-sorted microbubbles to optimize the opening of the blood-brain barrier, potentially revolutionizing how we treat complex diseases by enabling targeted immune responses. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT [https://turboscribe.ai/transcript/share/4620693217788058986/Ahg8k0Osedl3v9kuO4qq3pQzxeDqjCX2Ijwi1ChFcYU/cws-ep53-sasha-klibanov-phd] ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org [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 [info@fusfoundation.org] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fusfoundation/] * X [https://twitter.com/fusfoundation] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/focusedultrasound] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fusfoundation/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@fusfoundation] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@FUSFoundation] FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org [https://www.fusfoundation.org/] FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/] SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/] READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/] DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/]

Ep52: Now You See It, Now You Don't: A Magician's Tremor Disappears with Focused Ultrasound

Essential tremor is a progressive neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking, often significantly impairing everyday tasks. For many, the loss of fine motor control means giving up lifelong passions and careers. Even simple actions, like buttoning a shirt, eating, or writing, can become overwhelming, leading to frustration, embarrassment, and a diminished quality of life.  In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Howard Faber, a Michigan-based magician who spent decades entertaining audiences before essential tremor forced him to step away from the stage. Howard discusses his experience with focused ultrasound, a noninvasive treatment that ultimately transformed his condition.  He reflects on his journey with progressively worsening tremors, the turning point when Medicare approved focused ultrasound treatment, and his life-changing experience undergoing the procedure. Today, Howard has returned to performing, having regained complete control of his hands and his life. Discussion highlights: * The Impact of Essential Tremor: Discover how Howard's progressive tremors interfered with his daily life and his beloved magic career, leading to moments of embarrassment and the difficult decision to stop performing. * A Life-Changing Procedure: Follow Howard's experience undergoing focused ultrasound treatment at the Cleveland Clinic, from the preparation process to the emotional moment he realized his tremor was completely gone. 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. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT [https://turboscribe.ai/transcript/share/1900519042857085443/nGdEWo_cp1X83Z28CvgGhnOKB6Ri6M_yp_xVBS1l07Q/cws-ep52-howard-faber] ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org [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 [info@fusfoundation.org] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fusfoundation/] * X [https://twitter.com/fusfoundation] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/focusedultrasound] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fusfoundation/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@fusfoundation] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@FUSFoundation] FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org [https://www.fusfoundation.org/] FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/] SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/] READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/] DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/]

Ep51: From Research to Reality: Focused Ultrasound for Brain Tumors and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vital protective mechanism that shields the brain from harmful substances, but it also poses a significant challenge in treating neurological diseases. For patients with aggressive brain tumors or neurodegenerative conditions, the BBB can prevent life-saving therapies and chemotherapeutic agents from reaching their targets, leaving limited treatment options. In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Ying Meng, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon and scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto. Dr. Meng is at the forefront of advancing noninvasive brain therapies, leading efforts to translate preclinical focused ultrasound research into clinical application. She shares insights from groundbreaking clinical trials using focused ultrasound to enable targeted drug delivery across the BBB for conditions such as pediatric gliomas and breast cancer metastases, as well as insights on liquid biopsy biomarkers. Discussion highlights: * The Future of Accessible Treatment: Dr. Meng’s perspective on the next decade of innovation, including the potential shift of focused ultrasound procedures from specialized MRI environments to more accessible, bedside settings within standard infusion centers—broadening patient access and improving treatment tolerability. * Center of Excellence (COE): Established as a COE in 2016, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is conducting research for focused ultrasound in neurology, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, gynecology, radiation oncology, and biomedical engineering. The COE program recognizes luminary sites for their excellence in translational and clinical research, training, and patient care. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT [https://turboscribe.ai/transcript/share/4971973988718196916/VNJ8_8EwWZuZt0a5F9hO1uak2QoLlP_4OraUsZUWC0w/cws-ep51-ying-meng-md-phd] ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org [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 [info@fusfoundation.org] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fusfoundation/] * X [https://twitter.com/fusfoundation] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/focusedultrasound] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fusfoundation/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@fusfoundation] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@FUSFoundation] FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org [https://www.fusfoundation.org/] FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/] SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/] READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/] DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/]

Ep50: Living a Pain-Free Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and the Role of Focused Ultrasound with Dr. Lauren Hadley

Chronic pain affects one in five adults, yet it remains a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. For many, the search for relief becomes a cycle of treatments that fail to deliver lasting results, sometimes leading to long-term reliance on medications that can significantly impact quality of life. In this special episode of Curing with Sound, we examine the future of pain management from three unique perspectives. We begin with renowned neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta, MD, who shares insights from his latest book, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life. Dr. Gupta explores how pain is not merely a physical signal, but a complex experience shaped by the brain and nervous system, one influenced by movement, sleep, stress, and daily interactions. The episode also features Lauren Hadley, MD, MBA, the Foundation’s Associate Director of the Research and Education Team, who discusses the science behind focused ultrasound as a noninvasive alternative to traditional surgery and pharmacologic treatments.  Finally, we hear from Reginald Masters, a patient whose chronic low back pain was successfully treated with focused ultrasound, offering a compelling firsthand account of life before and after treatment. Discussion highlights: * The Neuroscience of Pain: Dr. Sanjay Gupta examines the subjective nature of pain, drawing on years of clinical experience and reporting to shed light on how pain is understood and managed. * A Noninvasive Revolution: Dr. Lauren Hadley explains how focused ultrasound is transforming pain treatment by targeting the source through approaches such as thermal ablation and neuromodulation. * A Patient’s Journey to Relief: Reginald Masters shares his experience living with debilitating pain for decades and finding rapid relief through a noninvasive focused ultrasound procedure. 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. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT [https://turboscribe.ai/transcript/share/7484982580780939183/6GUOO_IPRshbNV_hIhlOUbhhyshsYSvqwZgy49yB788/cws-ep50-fus-pain-webinar-with-sanjay-gupta] ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org [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 [info@fusfoundation.org] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fusfoundation/] * X [https://twitter.com/fusfoundation] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/focusedultrasound] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fusfoundation/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@fusfoundation] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@FUSFoundation] FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org [https://www.fusfoundation.org/] FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/] SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/] READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/] DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/]

Ep49: Breaking Through Treatment Barriers: Focused Ultrasound for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat, largely because its dense tumor microenvironment makes it difficult for chemotherapy drugs to reach their target. This often leads to poor patient outcomes and underscores the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies to overcome these barriers. In this episode of Curing with Sound, Jae Young Lee, MD, PhD, professor and researcher at Seoul National University Hospital, shares his work exploring focused ultrasound as a noninvasive treatment option for pancreatic cancer. He explains how this technology creates subtle mechanical stress within the tumor, helping to open up its structure so chemotherapy can work more effectively. Dr. Lee also shares encouraging results from his Phase II clinical trial and looks ahead to a pivotal Phase III study, offering new hope for improving patient outcomes. Discussion highlights: * A New Treatment Strategy: Focused ultrasound technology shows promise for addressing the unique challenges of pancreatic cancer, enabling precise tumor targeting while preserving critical surrounding structures. * From Research to Reality: Learn how Seoul National University Hospital, a designated Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence, is integrating this technology into clinical care while advancing research across oncology, neurosurgery, and pain management. Seoul National University Hospital Website [https://www.snuh.org/intro.do] EPISODE TRANSCRIPT [https://turboscribe.ai/transcript/share/4008203668453147574/Oqd3JuAPKFLjp6P3XYfW7bmht7ODYXaVPu0UnoJlxbw/cws-ep49-jae-young-lee-md-phd] ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org [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 [info@fusfoundation.org] if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation.  FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA * LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/fusfoundation/] * X [https://twitter.com/fusfoundation] * Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/focusedultrasound] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fusfoundation/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@fusfoundation] * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@FUSFoundation] FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org [https://www.fusfoundation.org/] FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/] SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/] READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/] DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/ [https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/]