High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) kills cancer tissue in the prostate with heat generated by focused ultrasound waves. The treatment may offer improved urinary and sexual function to some prostate cancer patients.
HIFU procedure
During HIFU treatment, the patient is put under general anesthesia. The doctor then places an ultrasound probe in the rectum and takes an image of the prostate. Data from the image is used to create a three-dimensional model of the prostate. This confirms the exact location, size and shape of the tumor.
The doctor then uses the HIFU system to help plan treatment. Once the plan is final, the probe, under robotic control, releases focused, high-energy sound waves to the tumor. These waves increase the temperature in the area, heating and killing cancer cells. Healthy nearby tissue is left almost entirely undamaged.
HIFU can cause swelling of the prostate, so the doctor places a temporary urinary catheter into the bladder at the end of the procedure. This lets the bladder drain until swelling goes down. The catheter is removed one to two weeks later, when the patient is more likely able to empty his bladder.
Follow-up after HIFU involves testing the patient’s PSA levels and MRI exams of the prostate. Some patients undergo a prostate biopsy to confirm that the tumor has been destroyed.
Advantages of HIFU
HIFU is a minimally invasive procedure. It does not require any incisions or a hospital stay.
The treatment is designed to kill only the targeted areas of the prostate. By limiting damage to surrounding healthy tissue, HIFU may offer the patient better urinary and sexual function compared to other treatments.
HIFU is typically offered to patients with early-stage prostate cancers that are low- to intermediate-risk. The tumor must be visible on MRI. It must be confined to the prostate and be confirmed to contain prostate gland cells.
HIFU side effects
Most side effects of HIFU are mild and go away on their own in four to six weeks.
Many patients initially experience mild, temporary symptoms such as difficulty emptying the bladder, an urgent need to urinate and blood in the urine.
