High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) works by generating small areas of energy about the size of a grain of rice. The release of this energy within the prostate causes the tissue to heat up. This change in temperature destroys the prostate cells and any cancerous cells in the area. The small treatment areas can be very carefully located within the prostate, thereby avoiding the delicate organs that lie next to the prostate gland. 

HIFU is an experimental treatment that has been in use since about 2000. Research studies show that HIFU therapy is at least as safe as other treatments for early prostate cancer, and may have fewer side effects. It also appears to be effective in controlling prostate cancer, though the studies that have shown this are relatively new. 

The best results are seen in treating "low-risk", localised prostate cancer. The prostate must be relatively small (less than 40cc) and not contain much calcification. These criteria limit its suitability for many patients.

Men may have their treatment and then go home a few hours later, provided someone else is at home and suitable transport can be arranged, but others stay in hospital for at least a night or two. We talked to one man five weeks after he had experienced this new HIFU treatment. He was taking part in a clinical trial to help assess the results of therapy.  

He recalls what happened on the day he had High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) as part of a clinical trial.

After the HIFU operation he had very little discomfort. He woke up with a catheter in place.

Describes what it was like to have a catheter after HIFU. He had very few side effects after the operation.

Five weeks after HIFU he is almost back to normal activities. He can play nine holes of golf, is not incontinent and is not impotent.

It is important to note that this is only one man's experience of HIFU.