HIFU prostate treatment

HIFU prostate treatment, medically known as High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, is a new treatment for prostate cancer. A machine produces high frequency sound waves, focusing a beam of ultrasound onto a tumour site. This beam heats and destroys cancer cells but passes easily through healthy tissue which is left unharmed. A sophisticated imaging system allows surgeons to focus precisely on focal points within the tumour.

Who can have this treatment?

HIFU is particularly suitable for patients with a PSA of less than 10, have a Gleason score of 7 or less and a small prostate with no prostatic calcification.

What can I expect from this procedure?

The procedure takes approximately four hours under general anaesthetic and patients are usually able to return home on the same day. Patients experience minimal discomfort after the procedure which can be helped with mild painkillers.

Is this the right treatment for me?

Ultrasound does not cause any damage to adjacent healthy cells as it passes through the body. This means rates of incontinence and impotency are very low following HIFU, compared with other forms of prostate cancer treatment. The procedure can be repeated and undertaken in patients who have already had radiotherapy.

The integrated imaging system used allows for high levels of precision, with surgeons accurately targeting focal points as small as a grain of rice. HIFU has been approved by the National Centre for Clinical Excellence. Although the HIFU prostate treatment is considered safe, long term follow-up data is not yet available.