ID #938 Focused Ultrasound for Pediatric Neuro-Oncology Applications: A Single-Center Program Implementation Experience
Rachel Collins, Candice Van Skike, Sibo ZhaoAbstract
Background
Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a non-invasive technology with many pediatric neuro-oncology applications. Our free-standing urban children’s hospital FUS program implementation experience could inform other centers.
Methods
We present our single-center experience launching a FUS program.
Results
Our institution awards endowed chairs as a mechanism to support and fund the development of research programs that address unmet clinical needs. A Neuro-Oncology physician champion secured institutional support through receipt of an endowed chair to establish a FUS program. To advance clinical implementation, a research scientist was recruited. Systematic review of publication history and prior human use, and existing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system compatibility drove device selection. Pediatric neuro-oncologic use of low-intensity FUS is currently investigational, necessitating clinical trial access. Once selected for a multi-center trial, we began parallel legal and regulatory processes for contract negotiation and clinical trial initiation. FUS device purchase was aligned with planned MRI expansion, with minor updates to the design to accommodate the FUS device and its associated components. Our Information Security team was engaged with device selection to facilitate safe network connectivity and integration into our electronic health records system. Other essential partners included the clinical team, device manufacturer, radiology, investigational drug services, neurosurgery, and anesthesia. As a result of three years of interdepartmental collaboration, our first FUS trial is now open with plans to expand beyond this milestone.
Discussion
MRI-guided FUS is resource-intensive technology with applications for pediatric neuro-oncology and beyond. Institutions seeking to implement an investigational technology-centered program may benefit from our experience, leveraging the right teams from the start. While donor funds were essential to our program, intramural and extramural grants are other potential sources to explore. In sharing our experience, we aim to streamline program implementation efforts at other institutions and expedite pediatric neuro-oncology patient access to innovations with potential benefits.