HIFU Prostate Cancer Therapy

By Mark Bilowus, MD

Bilowus Medical

More Cancer Awareness Articles

HIFU Prostate Cancer Therapy

The prostate is a gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer begins inside the prostate and may grow to involve the entire gland and then spread outside the gland. As it grows, it may also spread to other parts of the body. Some prostate cancers grow slowly, while other prostate cancers can be very aggressive, spreading quickly to other parts of the body, especially the lymph nodes and the bones.

Who Gets Prostate Cancer?

Although prostate cancer can occur in men of all ages, it occurs more frequently in men over 50 and is most common in men over 65. African-American men and men with close family members who have had prostate cancer are more likely to develop this cancer than other men.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if you have prostate cancer. This is normally done in the doctor's office, where one or more small pieces of prostate tissue are removed through a thin needle and examined for cancer under a microscope. Once prostate cancer has been found, more tests will be needed to determine the extent or stage of your cancer. If your cancer is an early stage and has not spread outside the prostate, you may be a candidate for high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

What Is HIFU?

HIFU is an FDA approved minimally invasive prostate cancer therapy with precise, focused ultrasound waves that raise the temperature of the target tissue to nearly 195 degrees in 2-3 seconds. This rapid-fire heat destroys the targeted tissue but leaves the surrounding tissue intact.

What Should I Expect?

The control and precision of HIFU means patients usually require only one treatment. It is generally performed under local anesthesia and is an outpatient procedure, with little pain. Patients who choose HIFU usually return to a normal lifestyle within a few days. A catheter is left in place following the procedure for drainage of urine and will remain for two to three weeks.

Am I a Candidate For HIFU?

If you have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer that has not spread or metastasized outside of the gland, you may be a candidate for HIFU. It is recommended that you discuss your individual medical records and history with a physician in order to confirm whether or not you qualify for HIFU.