MR-HIFU: The Potential for Combined Imaging and Therapy

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive method to deliver highly concentrated energy deep in the body and it has been explored for tissue ablation for over half a century. A safe clinical use requires that the focus is guided by an imaging method. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides such features as excellent soft tissue contrast, temperature sensitivity and ability to detect thermally coagulated tissue, that make it well suited for the guidance, control, and monitoring of thermal therapies. The treatment of uterine fibroids with MRI guided HIFU has been approved by the FDA and is on its way to becoming routine. In addition there are several clinical reports demonstrating the feasibility of MR-HIFU for the treatment of breast, liver, brain and bone tumors. Pre-clinical animal testing of endo-cavity devices shows promise for the treatment of prostate and esophageal cancers.