HIFU validated

This study examined the outcome of prostate cancer patients receiving high intensity focused ultrasound therapy.

Several treatments, such as surgery and radiotherapy, are currently available for patients diagnosed with localized prostate cancer. High intensity focused ultrasound therapy (HIFU) is a somewhat controversial approach to cancer treatment. HIFU uses high frequency ultrasound waves to destroy cancer cells. Historically, HIFU has not been a common choice for prostate cancer therapy, resulting in a substantial lack of detailed information about the effectiveness and safety of this treatment method.

To determine the usefulness of HIFU in the treatment of prostate cancer patients, researchers analyzed the outcomes of 704 patients treated with HIFU over the course of 15 years. Patients were grouped according to their risk of cancer recurrence (according to Gleason score and PSA levels). The overall survival of patients was not significantly different than that of the general population (men who were not diagnosed with prostate cancer). Patients classified in the high risk of recurrence group did not seem to experience decreased survival compared to low recurrence risk patients. On average, 22.3% of patients required a second HIFU treatment or other medical interventions.  High-risk patients were more likely to require additional treatments. Side effects of HIFU were generally mild, including mainly urinary tract infections and discomfort, and occurred in 16% of patients.

This study concluded that high intensity focused ultrasound therapy is a safe and effective treatment for localized prostate cancer.

The researchers did not compare HIFU to other forms of prostate cancer treatment in a controlled manner, making it difficult to compare its effectiveness to other methods of cancer therapy.

Consult with your physician regarding the risks and benefits of HIFU in the treatment of localized prostate cancer.