World-First Study Shows Promise for Non-Invasive TTTS Treatment
Updated: Aug 27
A world-first clinical study has shown that a completely non-invasive technique could one day offer a new treatment option for families affected by twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).
The study, led by Imperial College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, investigated ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). The technique uses precisely targeted sound waves from outside the body to close the abnormal blood vessels in the placenta that cause the imbalance of blood flow between twins.
Ten women with early-onset TTTS took part in the Phase 1 study. Researchers successfully blocked blood flow in 27 of 30 targeted placental vessels — a 90% technical success rate — with no significant treatment-related maternal or fetal adverse events recorded.
The study was designed to assess safety and feasibility rather than prove that HIFU can treat TTTS. Five participants still required fetoscopic laser treatment, and a larger clinical trial involving 50 to 100 women is now planned to determine whether HIFU can reliably stabilise or reverse the condition.
The research was funded by the Medical Research Council, The Wiseman Trust and the UK Focused Ultrasound Foundation, with Canon Medical Systems as an industry partner.
For The Wiseman Trust, this represents an important milestone in the long-term goal that has guided the charity since its foundation: supporting research that can lead to earlier, safer and more effective treatment for TTTS.
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