NTUSlab
Neuroimaging & Therapeutic Ultrasound Laboratory
Neuroimaging and Therapeutic Ultrasound Research Lab
We are a multidisciplinary research laboratory dedicated to the development of advanced neuroimaging techniques and the study of therapeutic ultrasound in clinical applications. Our focus is on developing diagnostic, prognostic, and treatment-response biomarkers based on neuroimaging, as well as validating and advancing therapeutic tools using ultrasound. Our goal is to enhance the understanding of neurological diseases and drive the development of non-invasive therapies.
Advanced Neuroimaging
Our lab employs state-of-the-art multimodal PET/MRI imaging to gain deeper insights into Parkinson’s disease (PD) and its progression. We develop precise biomarkers using FDOPA and FDG PET, structural MRI, advanced diffusion models, and functional MRI (fMRI, task-based fMRI) to study both motor and non-motor aspects of PD. Through longitudinal and interventional studies, we analyze disease mechanisms, cognitive dysfunction, and treatment responses. By integrating computational modeling and AI-driven feature extraction, we aim to push the boundaries of diagnostic precision and personalized medicine in neurodegenerative disorders.
HIGH-INTENSITY FOCUSED ULTRASOUND THERMOABLATION
HIFU is a groundbreaking non-invasive neurosurgical technique that enables precise lesioning of deep brain structures without incisions and in a near-ambulatory setting, redefining functional neurosurgery’s safety profile. At our lab, we strive to take this technology to the next level by developing personalized decision-support systems, optimizing MRI-based monitoring, and refining predictive lesion models. We integrate advanced thermometry, ultrasound propagation modeling, and AI-driven predictive analytics to enhance precision, improve safety, and establish objective stopping criteria for treatment. Leveraging our unique position within a pioneering clinical center with over 400 cases, we aim to revolutionize HIFU-based therapies and expand its clinical applicability.
BLOOD-BRAIN BARRIER OPENING FOR DRUG-DELIVERY
Low-intensity focused ultrasound combined with microbubbles offers a groundbreaking approach to transiently opening the blood-brain barrier (BBB), enabling the targeted delivery of therapeutics that would otherwise be unable to reach the central nervous system. At CINAC, we are actively involved in preclinical and clinical studies exploring the potential of this technology for antibody-based therapies, gene therapy, and targeted drug delivery without the need for direct intracerebral injection. However, precise control over BBB permeability remains a major challenge, requiring advanced monitoring techniques, patient-specific modeling, and predictive frameworks to optimize treatment parameters. Our research focuses on developing quantitative permeability metrics, improving spatial homogeneity, and integrating AI-driven decision-making tools to ensure the safety, efficacy, and scalability of this emerging therapeutic strategy.
TRANSCRANIAL ULTRASOUND STIMULATION
Low-intensity transcranial ultrasound stimulation (TUS) has emerged as a promising tool for non-invasive neuromodulation, capable of reversibly modulating cortical excitability with high spatial precision. This technology offers new possibilities for brain mapping in neuroscience research and for developing therapeutic neuromodulation protocols for central nervous system disorders. At our lab we are actively exploring TUS as a therapeutic tool, studying its effects in both healthy individuals and patients. Our research aims to integrate personalized neuromodulation protocols to identify and validate therapeutic targets before definitive thermoablative interventions, paving the way for precision ultrasound-based therapies.