High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Current Potential and Oncologic Applications

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In the above article, the power of the emerging technology of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is studied in its new applications. Based on research, the technology appears to be a viable treatment option when a growth of some sort is present in the body, with highly promising results appearing for the treatment of tumors simply by focusing the right frequency of sound waves at a target location using the ultrasound technique. Cancers in a large variety of situations are currently being tested including liver tumors, renal tumors, pancreatic cancer, and prostrate carcinoma. The sound waves can cause the nuclei of desired cells to undergo apoptosis, which would allow for targeted removal of specific tissues in these affected regions. Additional potential applications include the use of the ultrasound to remove blockages in the vascular system such blood clots and plaque build-ups. However there are some major obstacles to overcome, such as the potential for collateral tissue damage and the difficulties in treating specific areas of the body, such as those in the gastrointestinal tract with gas bubbles near them and tissue in a region near solid bone. Each of these areas is difficult to actually image with current ultrasound to to the incongruity in bone density that these regions cause.

This is important in the field of biomedical engineering due to the potential medical applications of such a non-invasive surgery method. By using this technique over traditional methods, doctors basically eliminate the need for surgery prep and the rehabilitation necessary to recover from traumatic procedures. Patients would be able to undergo brain surgery in minutes and emerge with no debilitating effects or necessary physical recovery time. A breakthrough in this field would allow for a great many more treatments for patients potentially to feeble to survive the rigors of other surgeries. The possibilities for patient benefits are substantial.