Ralph A. Highshaw, M.D.

In one of earlier blogs, I discussed some of the traditional treatments for prostate cancer. Some of these treatments are radical retropubic prostatectomy, robotic prostatectomy, laparoscopic prostatectomy, cryoablation, radiation treatment (example, IMRT and Brachytherapy), androgen deprivation, and active surveillance. I want to discuss a new modality of treatment for prostate cancer called HIFU or High Intensity focused Ultrasound Therapy.

HIFU was first discovered in the 1950′s and improved as a use for treatment of prostate cancer over the last few decades. HIFU is minimally invasive. It kills prostate cancer cells by thermal ablation. Surgery and radiation is not used to kill the prostate cancer cells. There is no blood loss and no incision! Patients are typically sent home the same day of treatment, and back to regular activity quicker than after surgical management

There are several methods of treatment for prostate cancer. Choosing the right treatment for you is based on your PSA, gleason score, clinical stage, and volume of disease. Two of the important issues one should think about when choosing a treatment for prostate cancer are cure rate and quality of life.

After a diagnosis of prostate cancer has been made through a transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate, a man has a wide spectrum of treatment options. These options include radical retropubic prostatectomy, robotic radical prostatectomy, laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, radiation treatment (external beam, proton beam, brachytherapy or radioactive seed therapy, and IMRT), cryoablation (freezing the prostate), androgen deprivation therapy, HIFU ( High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, which is non-FDA approved), clinical trials, and active surveillance.