High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU):
Minimizing Side Effects
The Technology
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, with the Sonablate® is a minimally invasive treatment option for prostate cancer that heats and destroys targeted tissue with less risk of collateral damage than surgery or radiation.
The Sonablate, the medical device that delivers HIFU, was approved by the FDA for prostate tissue ablation in October 2015.
Sonablate is the first device to receive clearance from the FDA for HIFU.
In the past 10 years, over 50,000 patients have been treated worldwide.
The HIFU Procedure
Sonablate HIFU is performed as an outpatient procedure that typically lasts 1-2 hours depending on the size of the prostate.
Patients usually have a 30-60 minute recovery period and then are able to resume their normal lifestyle within a few days.
Transrectal probe is used to capture real-time images of the prostate. Using these images, the treating physician plans, or maps, where tissue should be destroyed.
As HIFU energy is delivered to the prostate, the Sonablate monitors changes in the tissue and provides feedback on tissue destruction.
What is HIFU?
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment for localized prostate cancer that uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancerous tissue while preserving healthy prostate tissue. Unlike traditional treatments like surgery or radiation, HIFU aims to minimize side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, making it an appealing option for men seeking a less aggressive treatment approach.
HIFU is performed using real-time MRI or ultrasound guidance to precisely target the tumor without incisions. The procedure is typically outpatient, meaning patients can go home the same day and experience a faster recovery compared to surgery. Additionally, because HIFU does not use radiation, it does not limit future treatment options if the cancer returns.
Who is a Good Candidate for HIFU?
HIFU is best suited for men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer that is localized (has not spread beyond the prostate). The ideal candidate typically meets the following criteria:
A well-defined, small tumor detected through imaging and biopsy.
A Gleason Score of 6 or 7, indicating low to intermediate-grade cancer.
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) levels that are stable and within an appropriate range.
No evidence of cancer spread (metastasis).
Desire to preserve urinary and sexual function while effectively treating the cancer.
HIFU may also be an option for men who have recurrent prostate cancer after radiation therapy or those who prefer an alternative to more invasive treatments. However, it is generally not recommended for men with high-risk or aggressive prostate cancer, large tumors, or cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.