If you are suffering from localized prostate carcinoma, a relatively recent treatment called high intensity focused ultrasonic (HIFU) may be able to help you avoid radiation or surgery. HIFU has fewer side-effects than more traditional treatments.
Some men hesitate to speak to their doctors regarding their health. It is particularly true in the case of prostate carcinoma. This cancer is second on the list for men’s cancer-related death.
The Urologist Eric Klein MD explains HIFU treatment and the pros and con of using it for prostate cancer.
erectile dysfunction, rectal symptoms and incontinence are all possible side effects from prostate-cancer treatment. Ask your doctor about HIFU. It may be able to help you avoid these side effects.
What is the HIFU Therapy?
The HIFU technique is a focused therapy which targets only a small area of the gland rather than the entire prostate.
A probe that is inserted in the rectum emits high-intensity sounds to target the tumor. The robotic arm of the surgeon moves millimeters and controls the probe.
Dr. Klein said HIFU relies on “our ability to localize prostate tumors using MRI and target biopsy, which builds upon our prior experience doing fusion biopsies.” This way of treating prostate can be effective in treating prostate cancer for some men with fewer side-effects.
He says that HIFU is a better way to map out prostate cancer, using better imaging and biopsies. But it only works for 10% to 15%.
What are the benefits of HIFU treatment?
Less pain and downtime
After HIFU, there is no need to stay in hospital for a long time.
Dr. Klein says that HIFU is an outpatient treatment. It usually takes 90 minutes, and you can go home after that.
He says that HIFU is less invasive than other treatments and therefore you won’t require pain medication. This treatment does not require a surgical procedure or radiation.
It has fewer side-effects
Dr. Klein says that many men fear they will lose their ability to erect after treatment for prostate cancer. Radiation treatments can cause side effects such as the inability to control bladder or rectal symptoms.
Dr. Klein claims that HIFU does not cause incontinence or bowel symptoms. According to him, data shows that since only a part of the prostate is treated the results are better potency and preservation.
Some patients may experience a temporary decrease in erections but those who had good erections before treatment will be fine.
There are other treatments available
Your doctor may recommend surgery if HIFU doesn’t work and cancer returns.
Radiation therapy is one of those treatments that are not used again because the risk of negative side effects increases.
What are the disadvantages of HIFU Therapy?
Not everyone is right
HIFU is usually used for prostate cancer that is localized (has not spread beyond the prostate). This treatment is best for men in the early stages. HIFU is not effective in more advanced stages, when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
This is a relatively new
HIFU is used to treat prostate cancer in countries outside the United States for a little under two decades.
The Food and Drug Administration approved HIFU in the U.S. for prostate-related treatments in October 2015. Dr. Klein stresses that it is important to know that the FDA has approved this method for ablation of prostate tissue. It is not FDA-approved for prostate cancer. He says that this is an important distinction.
It is not widely available
Due to the FDA’s relatively recent approval, the treatment is not available in all hospitals. Only a few hospitals in the United States have the latest HIFU devices, according to Dr. Klein.
Bottom line: Have a conversation
It can be difficult to talk to your doctor regarding treatment options for prostate cancer. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, HIFU is an option that you can discuss with your doctor.
