What is high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)?

High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a procedure that uses high-energy sound waves delivered to tissue. The energy that is targeted to tissue causes a heating effect, which then destroys or ablates prostate tissue. This treatment has been used more widely in Europe, and is being studied now in the US. Preliminary outcomes appear to indicate that this treatment is safe and fairly comfortable. However, it is not the best approach for a very large prostate gland and can cause urinary retention.

This therapy is not currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the United States, however approval has been received  for the Sonablate (R) 500 HIFU device to be used in clinical trials for patients with recurrent prostate cancer.  Read More>> Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107343.php (May 14, 2010).

More information is available about HIFU at www.ushifu.com or www.internationalhifu.com.

Prostate cancer patients must be actively involved in choosing between several equally effective treatment methods. Patients should be encouraged to research the various options and make their decision taking into account their quality of life concerns along with their work and home life schedules. Although a diagnosis of cancer can be an intimidating experience, the more you are informed about the options available to you, the more equipped you will be to make the decision that is best for you.

We encourage you to contact our Patient Navigator at (678) 843-5665 or rsevy@sjha.org with any questions regarding treatment options for prostate cancer. We're here to help.

Information on this page is provided collaboratively by the team at the Prostate Cancer Center at Saint Joseph's and has been medically reviewed by Rajesh G. Laungani, MD, 2010. Claims regarding treatment are based on years of clinical experience and industry reported data. The PCC follows American Urological Association and  National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Clinical Practice Guidelines for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Last Updated: October 14, 2010 (RSH)