Dr Kevin So is a radiation oncologist with Icon Cancer Centre. His research interests include the use of advanced technology to further improve the delivery and accuracy of radiation treatment.
Dr So is the principal investigator for TREMOR – a phase 2 study investigating the safety and effectiveness of frameless linac-based stereotactic radiosurgery on tremor in patients with essential tremor or Parkinson’s disease.
“The advanced treatment offers new hope for people afflicted with essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease who face limited treatment options,” Dr So said.
“These conditions can be devastating for patients who may no longer be able to perform the simple tasks we often take for granted, such as feeding ourselves and brushing our teeth, especially when they are unable to receive conventional treatment.
“Our hope is that this research will support the thousands of Australians who develop tremor to access advanced, non-invasive radiation treatment which improves their quality of life,” Dr So said.
As many as one in 32 people aged between 40 and 60 and one in 18 people aged over 65 are affected by essential tremor across the globe, while 65% of people with Parkinson’s experience tremor at some point during the progression of their disease.1,2
For these people, the involuntary shaking and trembling of parts of their body can be distressing and debilitating in their daily life; often affecting the ability to perform simple tasks like writing, eating, dressing and self-care.
Conventional treatment for tremor within the clinical trial setting involves deep brain stimulation, an invasive surgical procedure that places electrodes or needles into the central part of the brain and a stimulator into the chest wall.
The TREMOR trial means eligible Australians with essential tremor or tremor dominant Parkinson’s will now be able to access this cutting-edge, non-invasive radiation therapy clinical trial.
Funding for the TREMOR clinical trial was provided by the Epworth Medical Foundation, Icon Cancer Foundation and supported in kind by Icon Cancer Centre.
Find out more about clinical trials funded by Icon Cancer Foundation
