Curing with Sound

Hosted by Focused Ultrasound Foundation

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Jun 2026

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Imagine harnessing the power of sound waves to heal the human body–this isn’t science fiction, it’s the reality of focused ultrasound technology. Join the conversation that explores the transformative power of this noninvasive therapy revolutionizing the treatment of nearly 180 diseases and medical conditions and giving hope to patients worldwide. Presented by the Focused Ultrasound Foundation.

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June 9, 2026Episode 5426 min

Ep54: Exploring Focused Ultrasound Applications in Veterinary Medicine with Ashish Ranjan, PhD

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Ashish Ranjan, PhD, a professor of radiation oncology and director of the Veterinary Research and Oncology Clinic at the University of Texas Southwestern. Dr. Ranjan discusses how emerging focused ultrasound applications, including histotripsy and sonodynamic therapy, are being used to treat solid tumors in companion animals. He explains how veterinary oncology research contributes to advances in human medicine, shares findings from ongoing clinical studies, and explores the potential of combining focused ultrasound with immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and other cancer treatments. Learn how comparative oncology is helping shape the future of personalized, noninvasive cancer care for both veterinary and human patients. Discussion highlights: The One Medicine Approach: Learn how studying naturally occurring diseases in companion animals can accelerate therapeutic development, providing a powerful bridge between veterinary and human medicine and helping researchers evaluate new treatments more efficiently. Veterinary Research and Oncology Clinic (VROC): Discover how VROC combines advanced clinical care with cutting-edge research to offer dogs and cats access to innovative cancer treatments. The clinic evaluates emerging technologies, such as focused ultrasound, and other novel therapies, and maintains a strong focus on patient comfort, quality of life, and individualized care. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

May 19, 2026Episode 5318 min

Ep53: Microbubble Technology and Focused Ultrasound: A Conversation with Sasha Klibanov, PhD

Targeted drug delivery to the brain has long been hindered by the blood-brain barrier, a protective layer that prevents many therapeutic agents from reaching their intended targets. For patients with serious neurological disorders, this challenge can significantly reduce access to potentially effective treatments and limit therapeutic outcomes. In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Sasha Klibanov, PhD, Associate Professor in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine at the University of Virginia and a pioneering researcher in microbubble technology. Dr. Klibanov discusses the evolution of microbubbles from imaging contrast agents to sophisticated tools for drug delivery. He also explains how focused ultrasound, combined with microbubbles, can safely and temporarily open the blood-brain barrier, creating new opportunities for precision therapies and advancing the potential of immunotherapy. Discussion highlights: Microbubble Technology Explained: Explore how microbubbles evolved from diagnostic imaging tools into powerful agents for precise drug delivery when combined with focused ultrasound. Advancing Immunotherapy: Learn about Dr. Klibanov's collaborative research on using size-sorted microbubbles to optimize the opening of the blood-brain barrier, potentially revolutionizing how we treat complex diseases by enabling targeted immune responses. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

May 5, 2026Episode 5215 min

Ep52: Now You See It, Now You Don't: A Magician's Tremor Disappears with Focused Ultrasound

Essential tremor is a progressive neurological condition that causes involuntary shaking, often significantly impairing everyday tasks. For many, the loss of fine motor control means giving up lifelong passions and careers. Even simple actions, like buttoning a shirt, eating, or writing, can become overwhelming, leading to frustration, embarrassment, and a diminished quality of life. In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Howard Faber, a Michigan-based magician who spent decades entertaining audiences before essential tremor forced him to step away from the stage. Howard discusses his experience with focused ultrasound, a noninvasive treatment that ultimately transformed his condition. He reflects on his journey with progressively worsening tremors, the turning point when Medicare approved focused ultrasound treatment, and his life-changing experience undergoing the procedure. Today, Howard has returned to performing, having regained complete control of his hands and his life. Discussion highlights: The Impact of Essential Tremor: Discover how Howard's progressive tremors interfered with his daily life and his beloved magic career, leading to moments of embarrassment and the difficult decision to stop performing. A Life-Changing Procedure: Follow Howard's experience undergoing focused ultrasound treatment at the Cleveland Clinic, from the preparation process to the emotional moment he realized his tremor was completely gone. All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

April 21, 2026Episode 5118 min

Ep51: From Research to Reality: Focused Ultrasound for Brain Tumors and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a vital protective mechanism that shields the brain from harmful substances, but it also poses a significant challenge in treating neurological diseases. For patients with aggressive brain tumors or neurodegenerative conditions, the BBB can prevent life-saving therapies and chemotherapeutic agents from reaching their targets, leaving limited treatment options. In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Ying Meng, MD, PhD, a neurosurgeon and scientist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto. Dr. Meng is at the forefront of advancing noninvasive brain therapies, leading efforts to translate preclinical focused ultrasound research into clinical application. She shares insights from groundbreaking clinical trials using focused ultrasound to enable targeted drug delivery across the BBB for conditions such as pediatric gliomas and breast cancer metastases, as well as insights on liquid biopsy biomarkers. Discussion highlights: The Future of Accessible Treatment: Dr. Meng’s perspective on the next decade of innovation, including the potential shift of focused ultrasound procedures from specialized MRI environments to more accessible, bedside settings within standard infusion centers—broadening patient access and improving treatment tolerability. Center of Excellence (COE): Established as a COE in 2016, the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre is conducting research for focused ultrasound in neurology, neurosurgery, urology, orthopedics, gynecology, radiation oncology, and biomedical engineering. The COE program recognizes luminary sites for their excellence in translational and clinical research, training, and patient care. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

April 7, 2026Episode 5041 min

Ep50: Living a Pain-Free Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta and the Role of Focused Ultrasound with Dr. Lauren Hadley

Chronic pain affects one in five adults, yet it remains a deeply personal and often misunderstood experience. For many, the search for relief becomes a cycle of treatments that fail to deliver lasting results, sometimes leading to long-term reliance on medications that can significantly impact quality of life. In this special episode of Curing with Sound, we examine the future of pain management from three unique perspectives. We begin with renowned neurosurgeon and CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Sanjay Gupta, MD, who shares insights from his latest book, It Doesn’t Have to Hurt: Your Smart Guide to a Pain-Free Life. Dr. Gupta explores how pain is not merely a physical signal, but a complex experience shaped by the brain and nervous system, one influenced by movement, sleep, stress, and daily interactions. The episode also features Lauren Hadley, MD, MBA, the Foundation’s Associate Director of the Research and Education Team, who discusses the science behind focused ultrasound as a noninvasive alternative to traditional surgery and pharmacologic treatments. Finally, we hear from Reginald Masters, a patient whose chronic low back pain was successfully treated with focused ultrasound, offering a compelling firsthand account of life before and after treatment. Discussion highlights: The Neuroscience of Pain: Dr. Sanjay Gupta examines the subjective nature of pain, drawing on years of clinical experience and reporting to shed light on how pain is understood and managed. A Noninvasive Revolution: Dr. Lauren Hadley explains how focused ultrasound is transforming pain treatment by targeting the source through approaches such as thermal ablation and neuromodulation. A Patient’s Journey to Relief: Reginald Masters shares his experience living with debilitating pain for decades and finding rapid relief through a noninvasive focused ultrasound procedure. All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

March 24, 2026Episode 4913 min

Ep49: Breaking Through Treatment Barriers: Focused Ultrasound for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult cancers to treat, largely because its dense tumor microenvironment makes it difficult for chemotherapy drugs to reach their target. This often leads to poor patient outcomes and underscores the urgent need for new therapeutic strategies to overcome these barriers. In this episode of Curing with Sound, Jae Young Lee, MD, PhD, professor and researcher at Seoul National University Hospital, shares his work exploring focused ultrasound as a noninvasive treatment option for pancreatic cancer. He explains how this technology creates subtle mechanical stress within the tumor, helping to open up its structure so chemotherapy can work more effectively. Dr. Lee also shares encouraging results from his Phase II clinical trial and looks ahead to a pivotal Phase III study, offering new hope for improving patient outcomes. Discussion highlights: A New Treatment Strategy: Focused ultrasound technology shows promise for addressing the unique challenges of pancreatic cancer, enabling precise tumor targeting while preserving critical surrounding structures. From Research to Reality: Learn how Seoul National University Hospital, a designated Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence, is integrating this technology into clinical care while advancing research across oncology, neurosurgery, and pain management. Seoul National University Hospital Website EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org FOCUSED ULTRASOUND TREATMENT SITES https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-technology/treatment-sites/ SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

March 10, 2026Episode 4817 min

Ep48: Finding the Light: A Prostate Cancer Survivor's Experience with Focused Ultrasound

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Peter Dolan, a lifelong athlete and prostate cancer survivor who chose focused ultrasound after receiving an unexpected diagnosis despite a reassuring MRI. Peter shares his experience navigating treatment decisions and offers a candid account of the outpatient procedure and recovery process. He describes a swift return to his active lifestyle, free from the side effects he had anticipated. Facing a prostate cancer diagnosis requires careful decisions about treatment and long-term quality of life. Peter’s story underscores the importance of informed, personalized care and illustrates how focused ultrasound may offer effective treatment with fewer lasting impacts on daily life. Discussion highlights: An Unexpected Diagnosis: How a routine PSA test led to a prostate cancer diagnosis and why imaging alone did not tell the whole story. Choosing a Noninvasive Path: Explore the decision-making process behind selecting focused ultrasound over traditional surgery or radiation, and hear a firsthand account of the simple, outpatient procedure. Life After Treatment: Discover how focused ultrasound provided a swift return to a vibrant, active life without long-term side effects and inspired Peter’s ongoing patient advocacy. All patient stories featured on the Curing with Sound podcast are personal accounts of an individual’s experience with focused ultrasound treatment. Please be aware that each patient’s situation is unique, and outcomes may vary. The information provided in this story should not be considered as medical advice or a guarantee of specific results. It is important to consult with a qualified healthcare provider to discuss your condition and determine the best treatment options for you. The Focused Ultrasound Foundation does not endorse any specific treatment or medical procedure and encourages all patients to seek professional medical guidance tailored to their individual needs. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

February 17, 2026Episode 4719 min

Ep47: From Bench to Kennel: Advancing Veterinary Medicine with Focused Ultrasound

For pet owners, a diagnosis such as cancer or chronic disease often brings difficult decisions and limited treatment options, many of which involve invasive procedures. While human medicine has advanced significantly, many of these innovations have been slower to reach veterinary care, underscoring the need for more effective and less invasive approaches to animal health. In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Philip Bergman, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-Oncology, Veterinary Program Director at the Focused Ultrasound Foundation. Dr. Bergman oversees Foundation-funded preclinical research and the clinical studies that enroll companion animals, helping to accelerate translational progress across species. The conversation explores emerging applications of focused ultrasound in veterinary medicine, including its potential role in treating osteosarcoma, glioblastoma, feline diabetes, and other complex conditions. Dr. Bergman also discusses the collaborative One Medicine approach and how it is advancing care for both animals and people. Discussion highlights: One Medicine Revolution: Companion animals naturally develop many of the same diseases as humans, allowing veterinary research to inform human medicine—and vice versa—through a shared, translational approach. Breakthroughs in Standard of Care: He shares his vision for a “bench-to-bedside-to-kennel” cycle, in which insights from animal clinical trials accelerate human therapies and human breakthroughs inspire new, noninvasive treatment options for pets. The Future of Veterinary Technology: Hear about efforts to develop cost-effective, veterinary-specific focused ultrasound systems designed to bring this technology into everyday clinical practice. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

January 27, 2026Episode 4624 min

Ep46: Focused Ultrasound and the Future of Cancer Immunotherapy with Natasha Sheybani, PhD

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Natasha Sheybani, PhD, assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Virginia (UVA) and research director of the UVA Focused Ultrasound Cancer Immunotherapy Center. Dr. Sheybani shares insights into her groundbreaking work using focused ultrasound–based immunotherapy approaches in patients with metastatic breast cancer and other solid tumors. She explains how precisely delivered sound waves can do more than destroy tumors—helping to reshape the tumor microenvironment, overcome immune evasion, and activate the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. The conversation also explores Dr. Sheybani’s strong commitment to mentorship and interdisciplinary training, as well as her efforts to integrate patient advocates directly into the research process. Discussion Highlights: Sheybani Lab Research: The lab explores how focused ultrasound can help activate the immune system and improve the delivery of immunotherapy drugs to solid tumors, including brain cancers such as glioblastoma and metastatic breast cancer. Era of Hope Scholar Award: Learn about the prestigious $5.5 million Department of Defense grant awarded to Dr. Sheybani—the first ever at UVA—to accelerate the development of focused ultrasound technologies that improve the safety, effectiveness, and precision of immunotherapy for patients with breast cancer. Patient-Centered Science: Hear how Dr. Sheybani is redefining the research process by integrating breast cancer survivors directly into her grant writing and experimental design, fostering scientific innovation that is deeply informed by real-world patient experience. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/

January 13, 2026Episode 4517 min

Ep45: Neuromodulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression with Jean-François Aubry, PhD

In this episode of Curing with Sound, we speak with Dr. Jean-François Aubry, Director of Research at France's National Center for Scientific Research and a leading expert in therapeutic ultrasound with over two decades of experience in the field. Dr. Aubry discusses transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS), an emerging neuromodulation approach that enables precise targeting of deep brain structures without surgery, opening new avenues for treating some of the most challenging neurological and psychiatric disorders. He also shares compelling findings from his recent clinical trial evaluating the safety of TUS for drug-resistant depression, in which 80% of patients responded to the treatment, highlighting the potential of ultrasound neuromodulation as a noninvasive therapeutic approach. Discussion highlights: Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence: Dr. Aubry is the Scientific Director of the Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence at Physics for Medicine Paris. The laboratory’s mission is to invent innovative technologies for medical imaging and therapy, providing patients and clinicians with ultrasound-based therapies as a noninvasive alternative to surgical procedures. Depression Treatment Breakthrough: Dr. Aubry is a co-founder of Sonomind, a company dedicated to tackling drug-resistant depression and other neuropsychiatric disorders. The company’s personalized transcranial neuromodulation system enables noninvasive targeting of deep brain regions with unprecedented precision. EPISODE TRANSCRIPT ---------------------------- QUESTIONS? Email podcast@fusfoundation.org if you have a question or comment about the show, or if you would you like to connect about future guest appearances. Email info@fusfoundation.org if you have questions about focused ultrasound or the Foundation. FUSF SOCIAL MEDIA LinkedIn X Facebook Instagram TikTok YouTube FUSF WEBSITE https://www.fusfoundation.org SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/newsletter-signup/ READ THE LATEST NEWSLETTER https://www.fusfoundation.org/the-foundation/news-media/newsletter/ DOWNLOAD "THE TUMOR" BY JOHN GRISHAM (FREE E-BOOK) https://www.fusfoundation.org/read-the-tumor-by-john-grisham/