New Ultrasound Procedure For Treating Pain

This is an interesting article I ran across.  It seems focused ultrasound may alleviate pain associated with bone tumors by burning out the nerve endings where the tumor is invading.  It seems this is another use for HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound).  Perhaps this technology can be used in pancreatic pathologies where pain is omnipotent?  Let's wait and see.

CHICAGO, IL (May 29, 2013)—A high-dose of ultrasound targeted to painful bone metastases appears to quickly bring patients http://www.sciencecodex.com/new_technique_alleviates_painful_bone_metastases-113165relief, and with largely tolerable side effects, according to new research presented by Fox Chase Cancer Center scientists at the 49th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology on Monday, June 3.

During the procedure, known as MR-guided focused ultrasound, doctors direct a concentrated beam of energy to specific nerve endings that are causing pain in bone metastases. These patients typically have a significant amount of discomfort—half of study participants rated their pain at least a 7 out of 10—but within a handful of days, most said they felt significant relief.

Thanks Sonoworld and ScienceCodex

http://www.sciencecodex.com/new_technique_alleviates_painful_bone_metastases-113165