In a nutshell
This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating localized prostate cancer. Researchers concluded that HIFU is an effective treatment option, particularly for men not suitable for surgery or radiation therapy.
Some background
Localized prostate cancer is cancer that is confined to the prostate gland. Treatment typically involves surgery or radiation therapy. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has recently emerged as a less invasive alternative to standard-of-care treatments. HIFU targets and removes damaged or diseased tissue using heat energy. Early evidence is suggesting good treatment outcomes following HIFU. However, further studies are needed to fully determine its safety and effectiveness.
Methods & findings
This study examined 5-year treatment outcomes following HIFU. 569 men with localized prostate cancer were included in the study. Men were divided according to risk of cancer recurrence (low, intermediate and high risk) based on blood tests and the appearance and agressiveness of the tumor cells (Gleason score). All men received treatment with HIFU.
Five years after HIFU, 70% of men did not show signs of disease progression. Such signs included the need for further treatment, a spread of the cancer, or cancer-specific mortality. Among men with low-risk cancer, 87% were progression-free after 5 years. 63% of intermediate-risk and 58% of high-risk patients were progression free at 5 years. 5-year overall survival (time from treatment until death from any cause) was 95%. During the course of the study, 33% of men required a second HIFU treatment.
7.7% of men experienced a single urinary tract infection following HIFU. 2.9% of men reported recurrent urinary tract infections. 39% of men maintained good erectile function after treatment.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that HIFU is an effective treatment option for localized prostate cancer. However, many side effects are comparable to those associated with surgery or radiation therapy.
The fine print
Further studies examining the long-term effects of HIFU compared to standard treatments are needed.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Mar 04, 2016
