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A team of doctors from Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health NHS Trust, and University College London has developed a revolutionary treatment known as Targeted Thermal Therapy (Triple T). This simple and minimally invasive approach could transform the way a common but overlooked cause of high blood pressure, primary aldosteronism, is treated. Published in The Lancet, this advancement holds the potential to help millions of people who go undiagnosed and untreated worldwide.
A New Approach to a Hidden Cause of High Blood Pressure
Primary aldosteronism, caused by small benign nodules in the adrenal glands that produce excess aldosterone, affects one in twenty people with high blood pressure, yet less than one percent are diagnosed. Current treatment involves invasive surgery, but many patients remain untreated due to the risks associated with surgery.
Triple T offers a groundbreaking alternative. The procedure selectively destroys adrenal nodules using radiofrequency energy, guided by ultrasound. This is achieved through a needle placed directly into the malfunctioning tissue, all done via the stomach using endoscopy. The 20-minute procedure avoids incisions and allows patients to recover faster, making it a game-changer in the field.
Successful Trials and Future Prospects
In the FABULAS study, Triple T was tested on 28 patients, and the results were promising. Most patients had normal hormone levels after six months and could stop taking blood pressure medications. With these successful outcomes, a larger trial called ‘WAVE’ will compare Triple T to traditional surgery, with results expected by 2027.
The research team believes this treatment could soon become the standard for managing primary aldosteronism, offering a safer, faster, and more effective solution to millions suffering from this curable form of hypertension.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on early-stage research, and further clinical trials are necessary to fully validate the safety and efficacy of Targeted Thermal Therapy. Please consult a healthcare professional for medical advice tailored to your individual condition.
