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FUSF Partnering With CRI to Advance Cancer Immunotherapy

The Focused Ultrasound Foundation (FUSF) and the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) are establishing a partnership with the goal of advancing the development of new focused ultrasound (FUS) and cancer immunotherapy treatments. Both organizations recognize the intersection of the latest developments in FUS therapy and cancer immunotherapy offers a highly promising opportunity for combination approaches to treat a variety of cancers.

"This partnership formalizes a long-standing relationship between CRI and the Focused Ultrasound Foundation," says Jill O'Donnell-Tormey, PhD, chief executive officer and director of scientific affairs at CRI. "We have previously cosponsored workshops, promoted awareness of opportunities in this field, and cofunded research. Our goal at CRI is to accelerate the field of cancer immunotherapy, and we believe that FUS is a valuable tool that could increase efficacy."

As a key component of the partnership, CRI and FUSF will establish a joint fund to support research to move towards new combination therapies. A panel of advisors with expertise in FUS and cancer immunology/immunotherapy will determine critical unanswered research questions. A request for applications will then be issued to encourage future projects to address these knowledge gaps. After review and assessment, FUSF and CRI will share the costs of funding the chosen project(s); CRI will administer the grants within this joint program.

Jessica Foley, PhD, chief scientific officer at FUSF, says, "We are incredibly excited about this partnership. Drawing on the expertise of our two organizations and our diverse research communities, we expect to advance more streamlined and rigorous research that will enable quicker progress toward clinical trials, while also enabling better standardization in the field and increased consistency of protocols."

Source: Focused Ultrasound Foundation