WE‐A‐220‐01: Current Status of HIFU Therapy for Treatment of Benign and Malignant Tumors of the Abdomen, Pelvis and Bone

Abstract

High‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive method currently being investigated to treat certain primary solid tumors, metastatic disease, and enhance drug delivery. The field of medicine is evolving towards increasing use of noninvasive and minimally invasive therapies such as HIFU. The application of HIFU for tumor therapy has recently been gaining momentum due to advances in imaging technology such as magnetic resonance thermometry and advanced ultrasound imaging techniques that permit real‐time monitoring of HIFU treatment effects. Currently, several commercially available HIFU devices are manufactured worldwide for treatment of a wide variety of both benign and malignant tumors including uterine fibroids, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, liver tumors, thyroid tumors and other solid tumors that are accessible to ultrasound energy. Although HIFU technology has been used clinically since the 1950ˈs it remains a new therapeutic technology requiring further laboratory and clinical evaluation. This presentation provides an overview of the current status of clinical applications of HIFU for benign and malignant tumors within the abdomen and pelvis as well as treatment of bone metastasis.Learning Objectives:1. Understand the mechanisms that HIFU induces a biologic effect2. Understand the current limitations of ultrasound and MR‐guided HIFU therapy3. Understand the anatomic requisites and limitations for HIFU therapy