1st patient treated with focused ultrasound in ‘pivotal’ Parkinson’s trial
The first patient to undergo focused ultrasound to limit the major symptoms of Parkinson’s disease has been treated in a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, according to a Focused Ultrasound Foundation release.
The goal of the treatment is to manage the primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and limit side effects of medication so that less is needed.
More than 100 patients with advanced and medication-refractory Parkinson’s disease are undergoing treatment at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York, as part of the study.
"This important pivotal study builds upon earlier work in small groups of patients to determine if focused ultrasound can be a possible treatment for Parkinson's disease," said Michael Kaplitt, MD, PhD, and professor of neurological surgery at Weill Cornell Medicine. "We are excited to have enrolled the first patient among many centers throughout the world participating in this trial, and hope that the results will help us and the FDA determine whether this experimental therapy can be a safe and effective noninvasive option for patients who are having difficulty with medical therapy."
Matt joined Chicago’s TriMed team in 2018 covering all areas of health imaging after two years reporting on the hospital field. He holds a bachelor’s in English from UIC, and enjoys a good cup of coffee and an interesting documentary.