Image-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, A Novel Application for Interventional Nuclear Medicine?

Area of Science:

• Medical physics
• Oncology
• Neurology

Background:

• Image-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has gained prominence in medical applications.
• Commercial HIFU systems are available for various therapeutic interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the applications and potential of image-guided HIFU.
• To highlight the benefits of integrating imaging with HIFU for treatment planning and monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Review of preclinical and clinical studies on image-guided HIFU.
• Analysis of the mechanical and thermal effects of focused ultrasound.
• Examination of imaging modality integration in HIFU systems.

Main Results:

• HIFU is approved globally for treating solid tumors, neurologic diseases, and bone metastases.
• Mechanical and thermal effects enable histotripsy, radiation therapy support, and drug delivery.
• Integrated imaging improves temperature monitoring, treatment planning, safety, and efficiency.
• Preclinical and clinical data show reduced adverse effects and improved postoperative quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Image-guided HIFU is a safe and effective noninvasive therapeutic option.
• Interventional nuclear image-guided HIFU represents a promising future direction.