Using high frequency focused ultrasound as a breast cancer treatment

What’s the project about?

Researchers are planning a study to explore a new treatment called Focused Ultrasound (FUS) to treat breast cancer without surgery. FUS uses a machine outside the body that sends sound waves to a specific spot inside the body to destroy cancer cells.

FUS has some advantages over traditional cancer treatments and has fewer side effects. It can also target cancer cells very precisely without damaging nearby healthy areas.

However, treating breast cancer with FUS has some challenges. Tumours in the breast can be in different sizes and places, making it hard to focus the treatment without affecting nearby areas, such as the heart. Also, breast tumours are often larger, so controlling the temperature is important as FUS does cause some heating in the part of the body being treated.

To help solve these challenges, this research is creating new ways to plan treatments. This includes using computer models to make treatment safer and more accurate for each patient. It also involves designing special ultrasound devices that are 3D-printed to fit each individual person’s body and tumour shape.

If this research is successful, it could give many people with breast cancer a new treatment option.

The researchers are recruiting for a steering group, to ensure that the perspectives and experiences of people affected by breast cancer are at the heart of the project.

Who’s organising it?

Name of project lead: Dr Julie Cox

Job title: Consultant Radiologist

Organisation: County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust

Email address: j.cox1@nhs.net

Who can take part?

Anyone affected by breast cancer can take part. That includes a personal diagnosis or primary or secondary breast cancer, or a friend or family member of someone with a diagnosis.

Why do you want me to be involved?

By joining the steering group, you’ll ensure that the experiences and perspectives of people affected by breast cancer are at the heart of the project.

The researchers also want to be able to explore FUS in the context of other breast cancer treatments. So any of experience you have of breast cancer treatment, such as surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy will be vital in understanding their impact and the possible benefits or drawbacks of FUS.

What will you ask me to do?

As part of the the steering group, you’ll be invited to share your views on the technology and the research. You’ll also be invited to share your experience of breast cancer treatment (or a friend or family member’s treatment) to help the researchers understand what’s important to people affected by breast cancer.

How do I get involved?

If you’d like to get involved, or if you have any questions, you can contact Dr Julie Cox at j.cox1@nhs.net.

When’s the deadline?

13 December 2024