Advanced HIFU Prostate Cancer Treatment
Minimally invasive, highly targeted therapy with fewer side effects
What Is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound?
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancerous prostate tissue with precision, sparing surrounding healthy structures.
How Does HIFU Treat Prostate Cancer?
Minimally Invasive, Precision Therapy
HIFU is performed under general anesthesia. A rectal ultrasound probe maps the prostate, then delivers focused sound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells.
Treatment Benefits:
- No incisions, no radiation
- Outpatient procedure (1–4 hours)
- Full recovery within 1–2 weeks
- Preserves urinary and sexual function in most patients
- Can be repeated or followed by other treatments if needed
What are the symptoms and causes of prostate cancer?
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer:
Early prostate cancer has no symptoms. Advanced prostate cancer may present back pain from metastatic disease to the spine, blood in the urine and difficulty urinating. However, these symptoms can also be due to multiple other causes that are unrelated to prostate cancer.
Causes:
Prostate cancer arises from genetic mutations in prostate cells. Risk factors include age, family history, and race.
Prevalence & Risk Factors:
- 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Most common in men over 50
- African American men and those with a family history are at higher risk
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
Diagnostic Process:
Trinity Health uses advanced imaging and biopsy techniques to determine eligibility. HIFU is best suited for localized prostate cancer.
Tests Used:
- MRI & Ultrasound Fusion Imaging: To locate tumors precisely
- PSA Blood Test: Monitors prostate-specific antigen levels
- Targeted Biopsy: Confirms cancer grade and location
- Expert Review: Urologists and radiologists assess candidacy for HIFU