Prostate cancer is one of the most common health problems among middle-aged and older men, with current estimates indicating that at least one out of every nine men will be diagnosed in their lifetime. Although recent decades have identified numerous treatments for prostate cancer, many are invasive or harmful because of their high radiation doses.

High-intensity focused ultrasound, called HIFU for short, is a non-invasive and effective form of treatment for many different kinds of cancer, including those cases affecting the prostate gland. But how is this ultrasound therapy different from traditional forms of chemotherapy? In this article, we discuss what high-intensity focused ultrasound is, how it works as a cancer treatment, and what men should know about using this medical technology for their healthcare needs.

For further information on prostate cancer, to explore low-risk treatment options, or to find a treatment location near you, contact HIFU Prostate Services today.

What is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?

Also known as focused ultrasound surgery, HIFU is an innovative medical technology used to treat a wide range of cancers, tumors, and diseases. Like those used in diagnostic imaging, high intensity focused ultrasound relies upon an ultrasound transducer to produce powerful, heat-generating sound waves. Unlike traditional ultrasound, which uses low-energy waves to create images of large structures, HIFU is capable of targeting specific areas with pulses of high energy.

How is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Used As a Prostate Cancer Treatment?

High-intensity focused ultrasound presents a non-invasive and low-radiation alternative to traditional cancer treatments like chemotherapy and systemic radiotherapy. Understanding how it works requires a short explanation:

When ultrasound waves are heated to a certain point (usually around 90 C or 194 F), the energy becomes so concentrated that it can be used to destroy diseased body tissue. In cases of prostate cancer, many affected individuals experience tumorous growths in or around the prostate gland. If these are not eradicated, the risk of metastasis is much greater. To decrease the likelihood of the cancer spreading, doctors perform a procedure called tumor ablation, which means the killing of the tumorous tissue.

HIFU was approved for prostate tissue and tumor ablation by the FDA in 2015. It accomplishes this task by targeting specific areas of cancerous tissue with extreme precision, thereby treating the tumor or affected area without harming any other surrounding structures of the body.

What Are the Advantages of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound?

As mentioned above, HIFU is a completely non-invasive, incision-free procedure for tumor ablation. It does not affect or damage surrounding tissues or body structures, and because no incision is required to perform the ultrasound, there is no risk of infection or hemorrhage.

Additionally, high-intensity focused ultrasound has a remarkably rapid recovery period, with most patients able to leave the clinic and go about their lives in less than an hour after the procedure. The exception to this one-hour recovery time applies to prostate cancer treatment, which requires administration of epidural anesthesia to mitigate pain in the lower back region. However, recipients of this treatment are typically back on their feet and performing normal activities in as little as two days. Indeed, HIFU has been shown in studies to reduce pain and disease-related symptoms at a much faster rate than treatment alternatives.

On top of all these benefits, your doctor can confirm almost instantly whether the treatment was effective or not with a simple, one-time MRI test.

Are There Risks Associated With High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound?

As with any medical or surgical procedure, there are potential risks and side effects that may occur. HIFU is generally regarded as one of the safest treatments for cancer, tumor ablation, and other conditions, but there is a small percentage of patients who may experience a minor skin burn from the heat radiation of the sound waves. The odds of this happening are low, however, since any qualified doctor would be sure to use cooling devices and other pain-reducing methods during the procedure.

Following HIFU treatment, some patients may need to wait for residual effects of anesthesia to wear off. In the days after the procedure, it is not uncommon to experience discomfort or cramping in the abdomen. Your doctor can prescribe you pharmaceutical-grade pain medication if these side effects emerge, although most over-the-counter drugs like Ibuprofen are more than sufficient for managing the symptoms. Although there are some possible side effects from the treatment, the majority of HIFU recipients feel well enough to return to their usual routines in one or two days after its completion.

How Do I Know If HIFU Is the Right Treatment for My Prostate Cancer?

Depending on the stage and prognosis of one’s prostate cancer, different treatment options may be recommended or required by your oncologist. If screened for and diagnosed in the early stages of development, many men with prostate cancer can benefit from non-invasive tactics like high-intensity focused ultrasound. Individuals with more advanced cases may require invasive surgery or radiation treatment. However, with proactive and regular screenings, it is entirely possible to begin effectively treating prostate cancer before it progresses to such an extreme point.

If you are still curious about high-intensity focused ultrasound or other forms of prostate cancer treatment, please contact HIFU Prostate Services today by visiting us online or by calling 1-877-884-4438.