MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Shows Promise for Treating UFE

March 15, 2010—At the Society of Interventional Radiology's 35th annual scientific meeting in Tampa, Florida, Gina K. Hesley, MD, et al presented promising findings for the use of magnetic resonance–guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) in the treatment of uterine fibroids. The study of more than 100 patients shows that MRgFUS provides lasting relief from uterine fibroid–related symptoms, thus avoiding myomectomy or hysterectomy.
 
MRgFUS uses high-energy ultrasound waves to generate heat at a specific point to destroy uterine fibroid tissue and relieve symptoms. MRgFUS uses high-intensity focused ultrasound waves to ablate fibroid tissue. During treatment, magnetic resonance imaging is used to deliver the treatment directly to the fibroid. After MRgFUS, immediate imaging of the treated area helps the physician determine the success of the treatment. The US Food and Drug Administration approved MRgFUS for treating uterine fibroids in October 2004; however, it is still considered new, is not widely available, and is not covered by all insurance carriers. 

In the approximately 3-year study, 119 women completed MRgFUS treatment at the Mayo Clinic and were followed for 12 months using phone interviews to assess fibroid-related symptoms and symptomatic relief.

Of the 89 patients who were available for phone interviews at 12 months, 69 indicated that they received from the following relief from symptoms: excellent (74%), considerable (16%), moderate (9%), and insignificant (1%). The rate of additional treatments needed post-MRgFUS was 8%, which is within values reported for myomectomy and uterine fibroid embolization (UFE).

The investigators will continue to study 2- and 3-year results of symptom relief and will compare their current results with those reported for myomectomy and UFE. They will also investigate the efficacy of MRgFUS in treating other uterine conditions, such as adenomyosis.

"Our study shows that MRgFUS is highly effective and can provide lasting relief from uterine fibroid–related symptoms," commented Dr. Hesley. She noted that in the 12 months following MRgFUS treatment, 97% of the women reported improvement of their symptoms, with 90% of women rating their improvement as either considerable or excellent. "MRgFUS is newer than UFE. Our results with effectiveness of MRgFUS technology are promising and comparable with that of UFE, but its longer-term effectiveness needs continued study," concluded Dr. Hesley.