Treating Prostate Cancer with HIFU

 Treating Prostate Cancer with High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Treatment

A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be rather devastating. Over the last decade, there has been plenty of scientific research conducted in finding out and utilising different treatment options for prostate cancer. Of these, high intensity focused ultrasound treatment, also called HIFU, is a specialised yet minimally invasive technique utilising the treatment of prostate cancer. In this article, we shall take a brief look at HIFU as a therapeutic strategy.

The principle of HIFU

HIFU utilises ultrasound waves that are emitted at a high frequency and targeted at the cancerous prostate cells with the goal of destroying them. The ultrasound waves generate heat within the cells and coagulate the different proteins, causing the cells to die. In addition, the coagulation process also causes rupture of the cells due to a build-up in intracellular pressure. In combination, these two effects are responsible for the death of the cancer cells.

The procedure

The procedure is performed in a controlled setting in a hospital environment. Under close supervision by a healthcare professional, ultrasound waves are directed towards the prostate gland using special devices. According to the response, the intensity of the ultrasound waves may be changed, with the levels remaining high at all times. Attached to the probe is not just the ultrasound device but also a camera that helps the doctor visualise the prostate gland during the treatment.
The entire procedure takes anywhere between 2 to 3 hours to perform. Once the procedure has concluded, the patient is observed for a period of time and is then discharged home the day after. There are rarely any complications and patients tend to tolerate the procedure extremely well. It is for this reason that HIFU is now becoming a more commonly performed procedure and tends to be the preferred way of managing prostate cancer in many centres.

Benefits of HIFU

The primary benefit of HIFU is that the number of complications associated with it is minimal. There is no damage done to the neighbouring structures and the patient’s sexual performance is unaffected. Of course, HIFU treatment means that patients do not need to undergo open surgery to treat prostate cancer and this can avoid a number of different complications that can arise from it. There is no danger of radiation either. In most cases, the cancer cells are destroyed though in some cases patients may require a repeat HIFU in conjunction with radiotherapy and surgical removal of the prostate.

Cost of the procedure

Currently, HIFU is not being offered in many centres across the United States. In fact, finding a centre that will perform it is rare and at the centres that do perform HIFU, the costs are extremely high. There is no doubt that the outcome of HIFU is excellent for the patient’s and therefore it does not come as a surprise that more and more people are now travelling to places such as Poland where this treatment is offered at the same standard at a significantly lower cost.
In conclusion, HIFU is an effective way of treating prostate cancer that is minimally invasive and almost risk-free.

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