What Is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) has joined the
mainstream options for the treatment of prostate cancer. HIFU is a noninvasive treatment with the
capability of curing prostate cancer, without significant side effects. HIFU is an outpatient procedure that has men
returning to social and business functions in a matter of days.
HIFU has been used for well over a decade in more than 49
countries. This unique technology recently received FDA approval, and is now
available in the U.S. This is a
milestone for prostate cancer treatment. This new technology is accompanied by
a breakthrough in imaging technology, 3 Tesla MRI which allows us to direct
therapy to only the areas of the prostate with disease. This is known as focal
therapy. This is similar to lumpectomy used to treat breast cancer. Only the
breast tissue with disease is treated.
Another way of thinking about focal treatment is cutting the
brown spot out of an apple. By eliminating the bad spot only, normal prostate
function is maintained. On the other hand, radical prostatectomy removes the
entire prostate (throws away the apple) and the urinary tract must be
reconstructed. This can lead to urinary control and sexual dysfunction issues.
HIFU treatment does not disrupt sexual functioning or
urinary control. HIFU works by directing focused sound waves to create the
precise amount of heat to destroy cancer cells. This can be compared to using a
magnifying glass to focus the sun’s rays on a piece of paper, resulting in a
fire. You would not however, feel the heat when passing your hand under the
magnifying glass.
The development of 3T MRI and HIFU marks the most
revolutionary developments in the early diagnosis and successful treatment of
prostate cancer, in more than 30 years. To find out more about these
developments please contact Dr. Herb Riemenschneider at www.riversideurology.com or through
his office at Riverside Urology, 4845 Knightsbridge Blvd, Suite 200, Columbus,
Ohio 43214. Or call 614 442-3000.