Magnetic-resonance-guided Focused Ultrasound Surgery in the Treatment of Oncology Patients - Fundamentals and Review of Early Clinical Applications Radiology and Imaging

Magnetic-resonance-guided focused ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) is a novel non-invasive surgical procedure in the field of image-guided interventions. Thermal ablation is achieved using focused ultrasound beams controlled by magnetic resonance. Energy delivered to focal (sonication) spots allows for a very precise and controlled increase in temperature, resulting in coagulative necrosis of target tissue. 3D visualisation and temperature monitoring allow for realtime feedback and control. Post-treatment evaluation is performed in the same session. Since there is no dose limit, the procedure can be repeated as needed. An expanding number of applications are currently being developed in oncology. This article reviews the fundamentals and initial clinical data, including palliative treatment of pain in bone metastases, breast cancer, diseases of the central nervous system, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and targeted drug delivery.