Recently diagnosed with pc, age 69, 10 core biopsy revealed 3 positive
cores, 2 on the right side, 1 on the left side, 5% of involved cores
showed adeno-carcinoma, with a gleason of 7. In process of exploring
treatment options, awaiting results of bone scan & cat scan, hopefully
it is localized. Not doing well emotionally with this news. Has anyone
had HIFU (high tensity focused ultrasound, as a treatment ???
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High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
HIFU: is a medical device piloted by a computer designed to treat
localized prostate cancer using high intensity focused ultrasound
(HIFU). 
What is HIFU?
HIFU is a procedure where the temperature inside the prostate is raised
to 85° Celsius using a focused ultrasound beam
A probe is placed into the rectum after spinal or epidural anesthesia
has been administered
This probe emits a beam of high intensity focused ultrasound
At the point where the ultrasound is focused (focal point) the sudden
and intense absorption of the ultrasound beam quickly raises the
temperature which destroys targeted cells
The area destroyed by each beam is very small and precise
By repeating the process and moving the focal point it is possible to
destroy the prostate tissue
The treatment takes from 1 to 3 hours depending upon the size of the
prostate and is usually performed on an outpatient basis
What Do the Clinical Studies Show?
HIFU has been extensively used in Europe
One report of 137 patients showed that 93% of the patients had negative
prostate biopsies and 87% had PSA levels of less than 1.0 five years
after the treatment
Over 90% of patients undergoing HIFU therapy will not require further
treatment for their prostate cancer
HIFU treatment does not preclude other treatments. In those developing a
recurrence, they remain candidates for surgery, radiation or hormone
therapy
HIFU treatment has a similar success rate to radical prostatectomy but
has the major advantage of using non-invasive technology with many fewer
side effects
HIFU has proven to be an effective treatment for localized recurrent
prostate cancer
Published results indicate that 100 consecutive unsuccessful external
beam radiation patients shows 62% of patients had negative biopsies,
stable psa results and zero rectal fistulae
Is HIFU a Proven Therapy?
In 1989, three European research groups united in their efforts and
initiated a project to develop an efficient and non-surgical treatment
for localized prostate cancer
After ten years of development, HIFU was approved for treatment in
Europe. At present, HIFU is being used throughout Europe, Russia, Japan
and other Asian countries. In 2003, it received Canadian government
approval and patients are being treated in Toronto, Canada
To date, thousands of patients have been treated successfully in many
European centers and throughout the world
Advantages of HIFU
Destruction of the cancerous tissue with no risk of injury to the
surrounding organs
No chance of rectal injury
Patient does not undergo any radiation exposure
Usually no hospital stay is required
Treatment is performed under spinal or epidural anesthesia
Treatment can be repeated if necessary
Other therapeutic alternatives can be considered in case of incomplete
results
Nerve sparing procedure can be performed
HIFU can be used for the treatment of local recurrences (i.e. after
external beam radiotherapy)
Disadvantages of HIFU
No pathology (no tissue) to be examined following the procedure
A TUR-P may be required prior to treatment
Not yet available in the United States
Patients must travel to Canada for treatment
Not covered by many insurance plans, as treatment not available in the
U.S.