HIFU for Prostate Cancer: Non-Invasive Precision at Healthcare International
Introduction
At Healthcare International, we offer
state-of-the-art High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)—a
non-surgical, non-radiative treatment that targets prostate cancer with
pinpoint accuracy. HIFU uses ultrasound waves to heat and ablate cancerous
tissue while sparing surrounding nerves and structures, preserving both
function and dignity.
🎯 Best Candidates for HIFU
HIFU is ideally suited for patients with localized low-
to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, especially focal disease confined
to one area of the gland—confirmed through MRI and targeted biopsy.
Whole-gland HIFU is also feasible but requires careful selection and planning.
1. How HIFU Works
- Delivered
under general anesthesia via a probe inserted in the rectum, HIFU
systems use ultrasound to precisely heat and destroy tumor tissue (>70 °C).
- The
treatment typically lasts 1–3 hours, followed by a short hospital
stay and catheterization that resolves within 4–7 days.
2. Outcomes & Cancer Control
- A
phase II MR-guided trial at MSK found nearly 90% of men had no
intermediate- or higher-risk cancer at 6 to 24 months post-treatment.
- A
10-year study following 97 patients reported 100% cancer-specific
survival and 91.8% overall survival, though biochemical
recurrence-free survival (BRFS) was ~40%, often due to salvage
interventions.
- Systematic
reviews report 5‑year PCa-specific survival between 97–99%,
although overall survival varied (80–89%), and evidence quality remains
low due to limited randomized data.
3. Quality of Life & Side Effects
✅ Functional Preservation
- Urinary
incontinence occurs in <1% of treated men; most maintain erectile
function without medications or interventions.
- Real-world
testimonials highlight no incontinence and well-preserved sexual
function in early cases.
⚠️ Risks & Recovery
- Common
acute effects include urinary urgency, frequency, dysuria, and
temporary retention, typically resolving within 4–6 weeks.
- Rare
complications include urethral sloughing, rectal fistula
(<0.1%), infection, and need for repeat treatment (~25% at 5 years)
or salvage therapy in ~7% of patients.
4. Real Patient Insights
“No incontinence and no ED… very large prostate… recovery
smooth… PSA dropped from 5.3 to 0.7.”
— Reddit user after primary HIFU therapy
“I resumed daily activities within days… procedure was
painless… full urinary and sexual function regained within months.”
— Another patient narrative
However, some report PSA rise post-HIFU and
uncertainty about long-term durability, underscoring the need for careful
patient selection and longitudinal follow-up.
5. Why Choose Healthcare International for HIFU?
🔬 Expert Patient Selection & Imaging
We integrate MRI-guided planning and targeted biopsy
workflows to identify focal lesions, ensuring ideal candidate selection and
optimized outcomes.
🌍 International-Standard Protocols
Our HIFU protocols follow global guidelines for focal
therapy with image-guided navigation, similar to leading centers like MSK and
Mayo.
🧭 Precision-Focused Patient Experience
- Single-session
outpatient treatment
- Quick
recovery—most resume normal life within a day
- Proactive
follow-up with PSA monitoring and imaging
- Option
for repeat ablation or salvage treatment if needed
Summary Table
|
Feature |
HIFU at Healthcare International |
|
Treatment modality |
MRI‑guided focal or whole‑gland ultrasound ablation |
|
Ideal risk profile |
Low to intermediate risk, MRI-visible focal lesions |
|
Cancer control (5–10 yr) |
~97–100% PCa-specific survival; BRFS varies |
|
Incontinence rate |
<1% |
|
Erectile function |
Preserved in majority; medication rarely needed |
|
Recovery |
Outpatient; catheter 4–7 days; fast return to routine |
|
Retreat & salvage options |
Repeat HIFU or secondary therapy available |
Conclusion
HIFU offers a non-invasive, precise focal therapy for
selected prostate cancer patients—delivering cancer control with minimal
disruption and outstanding quality-of-life outcomes. At HealthcareInternational, we lead this approach with rigorous imaging protocols,
experienced clinicians, and a patient-first care philosophy.
If you’re exploring a minimally disruptive yet effective
modality for low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, HealthcareInternational welcomes you to learn more. Reach out to discuss eligibility
and schedule a consultation today.
to know more about treatments for prostate cancer click
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