HIFU Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Overview

Focal therapy is an option for a specific group of patients: those whose cancer is localized, visible on MRI, confirmed by biopsy, and confined to a region of the gland that can be reached and treated. It is not appropriate for everyone, and it requires ongoing monitoring afterward with PSA, MRI and repeat biopsy, because untreated parts of the prostate remain. Some patients may later need additional treatment. These trade-offs are part of the discussion before choosing it.

Who May Be a Candidate

Whether this treatment is appropriate is an individual decision made with your care team. In general it may be considered for:

• Localized prostate cancer, generally in the intermediate-risk group, that is visible on MRI and confirmed by targeted biopsy.
• Cancer confined to one region of the prostate that the ultrasound energy can reach.
• Patients who understand that follow-up biopsy and imaging are part of the plan and that further treatment may be needed later.
• Patients who have reviewed surgery, radiation and active surveillance with their care team and prefer a focal approach.

What Is Typically Involved

1. 1Confirmation that the cancer's location and extent are suitable, using MRI and biopsy results.
2. 2The procedure under general or spinal anesthesia, usually lasting one to two hours, with the patient going home the same day or the next morning.
3. 3A urinary catheter for several days while swelling in the prostate settles.
4. 4PSA blood tests at intervals, an MRI several months to a year after treatment, and a follow-up biopsy of the treated area.
5. 5A discussion of further treatment if cancer is found in the treated area or elsewhere in the prostate.

A more detailed, plain-language guide to preparing for and recovering from this surgery, in English and Spanish, is in the HIFU Focal Therapy patient guide.

Questions Patients Often Ask

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