The Focused Ultrasound Foundation has named the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMC Utrecht) as the latest Focused Ultrasound Center of Excellence. UMC Utrecht becomes the fourth site to be designated a Center of Excellence in Europe and the tenth worldwide.

“The Division of Imaging and Oncology of UMC Utrecht is a worldwide leader in the field of image-guided diagnosis and treatment,” said Jeroen Hendrikse, Professor of Neuroradiology and Chairman of the Division of Imaging and Oncology at UMC Utrecht. “One of the core competencies is MRI-guided high intensity focused ultrasound. We therefore consider it a tremendous honor to receive this recognition from the Focused Ultrasound Foundation since the Foundation has proven to be a powerful promoter of the translation of therapeutic ultrasound technologies to the clinic.”

Established in 2009, the Centers of Excellence program recognizes exceptional focused ultrasound sites throughout the world. The Centers serve as hubs for collaboration while bringing together academia, industry, and the Foundation to showcase focused ultrasound technology.

“It is a pleasure to recognize UMC Utrecht as one of the leading focused ultrasound sites around the world,” said Focused Ultrasound Foundation chairman Neal F. Kassell, MD. “The team exemplifies what it means to be a Center of Excellence – innovation, collaboration, and translation of research to the clinic, resulting in the commercialization of focused ultrasound technology. Their work will help this revolutionary, noninvasive technology reach countless more people in Europe and globally.”

UMC Utrecht has been recognized for their innovative vision and for increasing the synergy among image-guided therapies – incorporating focused ultrasound, nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, radiology, and oncology into a single division.

By recognizing UMC Utrecht as a Center of Excellence and supporting their work, the Foundation will expedite the translation of image-guided focused ultrasound treatment modalities to the clinic. Current projects include using focused ultrasound to treat bone metastases, breast cancer, and uterine fibroids. The team is also exploring focused ultrasound for targeted drug delivery, immunomodulation, and opening the blood-brain barrier.