MR-HIFU: The Potential for Combined Imaging and Therapy

Kullervo Hynynen ¹

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive method to concentrate energy deep in the body. MRIs excellent soft tissue contrast, and temperature sensitivity make it well suited for the guidance of HIFU. The treatment of uterine fibroids with MRI-HIFU is on its way to becoming clinical routine. In addition there are several clinical reports demonstrating the feasibility of MR-HIFU for the treatment of other tumors. Animal experiments have also shown that HIFU exposures can increase blood vessel wall permeability. This may allow local delivery of large molecules into image defined locations and has especially high potential in brain.