Mayo Clinic Fibroid Study
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Study Comparing MRgFUS to UAE

Mayo Clinic and Duke University are conducting the first study to compare uterine artery embolization (UAE) and MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment of uterine fibroids. 

The study, called Fibroid Interventions: Reducing Symptoms Today and Tomorrow (FIRSTT), will randomly assign women to be treated with either UAE or MRgFUS. The study will follow patients for three years to assess how effective the treatments are in symptom relief, absence of side effects, impact on quality of life, need for additional treatment, and even the costs associated with each approach. 

The primary goal of this study is to compare the safety and effectiveness of two standard fibroid treatments: MRI guided ultrasound surgery (MRgFUS) and uterine artery embolization (UAE). Both treatments are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for women who do not plan to become pregnant.A second goal of this study is to better understand which symptoms bother women with fibroids the most. Understanding and addressing the symptoms of clinically-significant uterine fibroids is important in order to optimize treatment outcomes and control health care costs.Women who are eligible to participate in the study, are randomized to one of two treatment arms (UAE or MRgFUS). Women in both arms will receive treatment but will not be able to choose which treatment she will receive.A comprehensive assessment of symptoms-including experienced pain- will take place at baseline, 6 weeks, and at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months following treatment with UAE and MRgFUS.


The study is now enrolling 220 women who can be treated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota or Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. 

To find out more about the study and whether you are eligible to participate, please click here.

Additional information can also be found here:  http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00995878?term=Magnetic+Resonance-guided+Focused+Ultrasound&rank=7