Invited Speaker
Abstract
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a novel non-invasive modality for treatment of various solid tumors including uterine fibroids, prostate cancer, hepatic, renal, breast and pancreatic tumors. FUS therapy utilizes mechanical energy delivered by ultrasound waves that are focused inside the body to induce thermal and/or mechanical effects in tissue. Multiple preclinical and non-randomized clinical trials have been performed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FUS for the treatment of pancreatic tumors. Initially, ablative therapy with FUS demonstrated substantial tumor-related pain reduction after FUS treatment with minimal adverse effects. More recent studies have focused on the use of FUS to enhance drug delivery to pancreatic tumors, demonstrating extremely promising results. Drug delivery can be enhanced by FUS by both thermal and mechanical mechanisms. The most recent research that is demonstrating promising results in pre-clinical models is the application of FUS in stimulating the immune response and playing a role in immune therapy for the treatment of pancreatic cancer.
