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Walsh Urology Associates 39000 Bob Hope Drive Wright Building Suite 209 Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 Map & Directions (760) 346-7191
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High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
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Unlike radiation, HIFU is non-ionizing so it can be repeated, if necessary, without damaging healthy tissue. |
This means that HIFU may also be used as a salvage technique if other prostate cancer treatments fail. The Sonablate® is the only HIFU device for prostate cancer that does not require a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), an invasive, surgical procedure, prior to treatment in order to achieve effective results.
Who is a Candidate for HIFU Prostate Cancer Therapy?
Sonablate® HIFU may be effective for men who have early stage, localized prostate cancer that has not spread or metastasized outside the prostate. It is recommended that you discuss your individual medical records and history with a physician in order to confirm whether or not you are a candidate for Sonablate® HIFU.
Sonablate® HIFU may also be an effective therapy for recurrent prostate cancer when patients may not have any other treatment options. Many patients, who have had primary therapy for prostate cancer, experience a rise in PSA years later and discover that the cancer is back. These patients may be candidates for the Sonablate® HIFU treatment as well. Please contact our office (760) 346-7191
The Sonablate® HIFU Procedure
BEFORE HIFU
Before HIFU Patients are given two enemas two hours prior to the procedure. It is very important that the patient does not move during Sonablate® HIFU thus patients are given an epidural (spinal) anesthesia and light intravenous sedation.
DURING HIFU
During HIFU There is no pain during treatment. A small probe inserted into the rectum emits ultrasound waves directly to the prostatic tissue. During the procedure, the Sonablate® 500 delivers real-time images of the prostate and the surrounding area giving the physician immediate and detailed feedback. Treatment time varies, but generally lasts one to four hours, depending on the size of the prostate.
AFTER HIFU
After HIFU Immediately after Sonablate® HIFU patients typically spend one to two hours recovering at the treatment facility and then are discharged. The doctor will prescribe medications, but most patients do not experience any pain after the procedure. A catheter is inserted for two to four weeks to ensure the bladder empties properly. Patients should have their PSA checked three months after the procedure.
HIFU Video Animation
Effectiveness of the Sonablate® HIFU
HIFU has been studied extensively in Japan and Europe. Studies and presentations from outside the United States report that HIFU is a technique broadly comparable to standard therapies for the treatment for prostate cancer. Japanese 3-year study of HIFU in patients who had a pre-HIFU PSA <10, had a biochemical disease free rate of 94%.
Potential Side Effects and Complications
All treatments for prostate cancer carry some risk for potential side effects and complications. Side effects include frequency, urgency, mild discomfort or discharge in urinary stream. Studies performed outside the US report that less common side effects (these may be more severe) may also include urinary stricture, retention, incontinence, impotence and rectal fistula. As with any medical procedure, all potential side effects and complications should be discussed with a physician before undergoing therapy. For a complete list of all possible risks associated with HIFU please refer to www.InternationalHIFU.com.
What are the Benefits of Sonablate® HIFU?
- HIFU destroys cancerous tissue.
- During HIFU, patient is not exposed to any radiation.
- No hospital stay is required in most cases.
- HIFU is generally performed under local anesthesia.
- HIFU can be used to treat locally recurrent prostate cancer.
- It is repeatable, if necessary.
- Treatment is non surgical and typically lasts 1-4 hours.
- After HIFU, if needed, patients may pursue other treatment options.
Focal TherapySome patients may be candidates for Focal HIFU treatment using the Sonablate 500. For many of Dr. Walsh’s patients, he can focus or target the treatment just in the area where the cancer is identified. This allows Dr. Walsh to spare the remaining healthy prostate tissue and further reduce side effects, procedure time and recovery. Download a recent publication on Focal Therapy that was a Phase I & II Trial in the United Kingdom |
Frequently Asked Questions about HIFU Therapy
How long has the Sonablate® 500 been in use?
Where is it being used?HIFU was originally researched in the United States almost 50 years ago. Focus Surgery, Inc., the developers of the Sonablate®, introduced the first application for prostate disease in the early 1990s. In countries where the Sonablate® is authorized or HIFU treatments are permitted, over 6,000 treatments have been done with the Sonablate®, and there are nearly 100 centers offering Sonablate® HIFU treatments.
Is it a one-time procedure or do I need multiple treatments?
In most cases, HIFU with the Sonablate® 500 is a one-time procedure that lasts approximately one to four hours, depending on the size of the prostate.
What should I expect after I have HIFU?
During the first one to two weeks after the procedure, a patient may experience very mild urinary symptoms such as frequency and/or urgency to void. In the first one to two months, a patient may pass an occasional small amount of blood, blood clots or mucus-like materials in the urine stream which is normal. A urinary catheter is inserted during the procedure and must be kept in place for two to four weeks.
Is this a type of radiation like brachytherapy? Which one is a better minimally invasive procedure?
HIFU is completely radiation free. Unlike radiation, ultrasound energy is non-ionizing meaning it is less likely to harm any tissue outside of the targeted area. Although brachytherapy and HIFU are both considered minimally invasive, generally, HIFU only requires one treatment. Also the radioactive seeds that are implanted during brachytherapy remain in the prostate and could potentially cause damage to tissue around the prostate, even several years after having the procedure.
During Sonablate® HIFU is the entire prostate treated or does the doctor only treat the tumor or diseased area?
During the HIFU procedure the entire prostate gland is targeted to be ablated or destroyed.
How do I know if I am a candidate for HIFU? What are the qualifications?
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 or clinical nurse specialist in order to confirm whether or not you are a candidate for HIFU.
What happens to the urethra during HIFU?
Since it runs through the center of the prostate is it destroyed during the procedure?During HIFU, the entire prostate is ablated, including the prostatic urethra. However, the urethra is derived from a different type of tissue (bladder squamous-type epithelium) rather than prostatic tissue (glandular, fibrotic and muscular). While the urethra is an important anatomical structure, the sphincter and bladder neck are more important to maintaining the urinary function.
How long will I have to stay in the hospital?
Sonablate® HIFU is an outpatient procedure and does not normally require an overnight hospital stay. The procedure usually takes one to four hours and recovery time lasts two to three hours. After recovery, the patient is discharged.
May I speak with men who have already had HIFU or read comments about their experience?
You may read comments from patients online at www.InternationalHIFU.com. You may also request to speak to a HIFU patient by calling 1-888-874-4384.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
HIFU with the Sonablate® 500 is not approved for use in the U.S. The Sonablate® 500 remains investigational in the U.S. and is being studied for the treatment of prostate cancer in clinical trials in the U.S. FDA has made no decision as to the safety or efficacy of the Sonablate® 500 for the treatment of prostate cancer. The information below is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace sound professional medical advice and care. All treatment options and potential outcomes and complications should be discussed with a qualified health care provider. For more information about the the Sonablate 500 visit www.ushifu.com. and for more information about hifu treatments outside of the US visit www.internationalhifu.com.
