HIFU efficacious in localized prostate Ca at 8-year follow-up

In men with localized prostate cancer, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) offers a rate of cancer-specific survival at 8 years similar to that expected with external beam radiation therapy, French researchers reported.

In a multicenter study led by Sebastien Crouzet, MD, of Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France, a total of 803 patients were treated with HIFU (Ablatherm, EDAP TMS, Vaulx-en-Velin, France) from 1993 to 2007. With a minimum of 2 years’ follow-up and a maximum of 15 years, the cancer-specific survival rate and freedom from metastatic disease were 99% and 97%, respectively, at 8 years. Local control was achieved with an 85% rate of negative biopsies and a biochemical disease-free survival rate of 83% in low-risk cancer patients.

"Ablatherm-HIFU long-term results compiled in this study were very positive in terms of efficacy," Dr. Crouzet said. "The clinical outcomes clearly demonstrate stability and efficacy over time using this robotic non-operator-dependent approach."

Results from the study were published online in European Urology (July 2, 2010) and presented at the World Congress of Endourology in Chicago.

One study author is a lecturer and consultant for EDAP.