HIFU shows efficacy in controlling prostate cancer at up to 7 years

Three separate European studies have documented the success of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) in treating prostate cancer.

Stefan Thuroff, MD, of Harlaching Hospital, Munich, Germany, presented a follow-up study of more than 1,000 patients treated with HIFU using the Ablatherm system (EDAP TMS, Vaulx-en-Velin, France). Results showed a success rate up to 93.7% based on negative biopsies and a nadir PSA down to 0 for low- and intermediate-risk patients. The results were achieved 2 months post-treatment. Additionally, 70% of patients who opted for partial ablation of the prostate remained potent, the study showed.

A second study with a follow-up of 8 years and a population of 1,200 patients evaluated by Christian Chaussy, MD, also of Harlaching Hospital, showed treatment with the Ablatherm device to be associated with low occurrences of short- and medium-range side effects. The observed incidences were more comparable to side effects seen in treating BPH through TURP as opposed to the more severe side effects expected in treating prostate cancer, Dr. Chaussy said.

The third study led by Albert Gelet, MD, of Edouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon France, showed a cancer-free rate of 84% at 7 years in 124 patients without using additional therapy.

The study data were presented a the International Symposium on Therapeutic Ultrasound at Harvard Medical School, Boston.