MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery, present and future

Area of Science:

• Medical Technology
• Oncology
• Neurosurgery

Background:

• MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is an emerging noninvasive therapeutic technology.
• It shows potential to disrupt traditional radiation oncology practices, particularly for focal treatments like radiosurgery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the current status of MRgFUS technology.
• To identify challenges hindering its transition from research to clinical standard of care.
• To review technical developments addressing these hurdles.

Main Methods:

• Review of current MR-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) applications and clinical trials.
• Analysis of technical, financial, clinical, and practical challenges.
• Examination of ongoing and near-term technical advancements.

Main Results:

• MRgFUS is currently cleared for uterine fibroids and bone metastases.
• Numerous clinical trials are underway, with increasing publications on MRgFUS advancements.
• Significant hurdles remain for widespread clinical adoption.

Conclusions:

• MRgFUS has the potential to be a disruptive technology in oncology.
• Addressing technical, financial, and clinical challenges is crucial for its integration into standard practice.
• Ongoing technical developments may facilitate the breakthrough of MRgFUS into mainstream medicine.