International consensus on use of focused ultrasound for painful bone metastases: Current status and future directions

Int J Hyperthermia. 2015 May;31(3):251-9. doi: 10.3109/02656736.2014.995237. Epub 2015 Feb 13.

Abstract

Focused ultrasound surgery (FUS), in particular magnetic resonance guided FUS (MRgFUS), is an emerging non-invasive thermal treatment modality in oncology that has recently proven to be effective for the palliation of metastatic bone pain. A consensus panel of internationally recognised experts in focused ultrasound critically reviewed all available data and developed consensus statements to increase awareness, accelerate the development, acceptance and adoption of FUS as a treatment for painful bone metastases and provide guidance towards broader application in oncology. In this review, evidence-based consensus statements are provided for (1) current treatment goals, (2) current indications, (3) technical considerations, (4) future directions including research priorities, and (5) economic and logistical considerations.

Keywords: Bone neoplasms; cancer; consensus; high-intensity focused ultrasound; palliative care.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bone Neoplasms / diagnostic imaging*
  • Consensus
  • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Ablation / methods*
  • Humans
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Ultrasonography