What is HIFU for Prostate Cancer?
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment option for prostate cancer. It uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. This minimally invasive procedure offers several advantages over traditional treatments like surgery or radiation therapy:
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Minimally invasive. HIFU involves minimal discomfort and no cuts to the skin.
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Precise targeting of cancer areas preserves healthy tissues.
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Short hospital stay. Most patients can go home on the same day as the procedure.
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Rapid recovery. Recovery is typically quick, allowing patients to resume normal activities within two weeks.
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Reduced side effects. HIFU is less likely to cause erectile or urinary problems compared to other prostate cancer treatments.
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Retreatment options. HIFU can be repeated if the cancer returns, and it can be combined with other treatments as needed.
Who Is a Candidate for HIFU?
HIFU is typically considered for patients with:
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Localized prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate tissue. The most suitable patients have prostate cancer in stage T1 or T2 and with a Gleason Score under 7.
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Low-grade or intermediate-risk prostate cancer, which is regarded as slow-growing. Patients undergo active surveillance and may be considered for HIFU once the tumor starts growing.
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Previous treatment failure occurs when patients experience a recurrence after radiation therapy.
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Contraindications to other treatments due to health reasons.
HIFU may be less effective for men with enlarged prostate glands (BPH) or calcifications. These conditions can limit the energy's reach and cause urinary problems due to increased swelling of the targeted tissue.
What Does the Procedure Involve?
The HIFU procedure typically involves the following steps:
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Preparation with general anesthesia. The doctor will also insert the catheter to remove any liquids from the gallbladder.
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Ultrasound imaging. The doctor inserts a transrectal ultrasound probe to visualize the prostate gland.
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Focused ultrasound involves directing high-intensity ultrasound beams at the cancerous area. High-frequency ultrasound for prostate cancer heats the cancer cells at up to 110 С° temperature, destroying them.
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Recovery iswhen the patient is monitored in a recovery room and discharged on the same day. Most patients can return to their everyday lives for a few weeks after the procedure.
There are two types of HIFU:
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Focal HIFU is intended for the small area in the prostate tissue;
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The whole prostate HIFU directs beams at the entire gland.
Source - Cancer Research UK
What Are the Side Effects of HIFU Treatment?
While focused ultrasound for prostate cancer is generally considered a safe procedure with minimal side effects, some patients may experience:
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Urinary incontinence is expected in the first days after. It will stabilize in 1 month-period maximum.
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Blood in the urine may occur for a short period after tumor destruction. Doctors recommend higher water intake at this time to speed up the recovery process.
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Erectile dysfunction is a potential long-term side effect, but the risk is lower compared to some other prostate cancer treatments (like chemotherapy or radiation therapy).
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Incontinence is less common but may occur in some cases.
Where Is HIFU Treatment Available?
Bookimed has picked the most acknowledged hospitals based on our Smart Ranking System. They have the well-experienced doctors and the best equipment to guarantee a successful outcome.
Memorial Şişli Hospital, Turkey
The "master of urology", Dr. Murat Binbay, is an internationally certified robotic surgery expert. He combines HIFU with HOLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) to decrease patients' time with catheters and improve their urinary function.
Samsung Medical Center, Republic of Korea
According to the hospital's data, they achieved an 87% success rate of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment. Samsung is the top hospital in South Korea that has HIFU treatment available. The doctors cooperate with MD Anderson Medical Center in the USA to implement new treatment approaches.
Samsung is the most comprehensive cancer center in Asia. The patients may refer to the Bookimed International Patient Support Center for direct consultation with the hospital's oncologists.
Memorial Bahçelievler Hospital, Turkey
Dr. Ilker Comez is a prostate cancer specialist who uses HIFU and a minimally invasive surgery called LSP (laparoscopic simple prostatectomy).
The doctor is committed to reducing lower urinary tract symptoms, such as frequent urination and incontinence. He has made substantial contributions by combining LSP with HIFU, even for advanced prostate cancer.
How Much Does HIFU Treatment Cost?
The starting cost of HIFU treatment for prostate cancer is $8,500 in Turkey and goes up to $19,000 in Korea.
The cost of the ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer depends on several factors:
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Country. The prostate cancer treatment cost can differ by 10-40%, depending on the country. For instance, the price for HIFU in Germany is about 15-20% higher than in Turkey but about 5-10% lower than in Korea.
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Doctor's Expertise. A specialist with extensive experience in HIFU procedures and numerous certifications may charge a higher fee for focused ultrasound surgery.
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Additional Services. Some hospitals offer package deals, while others may charge separately for each service (such as treatment, language assistance, or transportation).
How Does High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Differ From Other Options?
| Procedure | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Minimally invasive, preserves sexual function, and quick recovery. | It may not be suitable for large tumors or advanced-stage cancer. | |
| Minimally invasive, quick recovery. | It can cause tissue damage and incontinence. | |
| Precise targeting, minimal side effects. | Expensive, limited availability. | |
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Surgery (Prostatectomy) |
It can be curative for early-stage cancer. | Risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. |
How to Find the HIFU Cancer Treatment Centers?
Choosing the right treatment center is crucial for a successful HIFU procedure. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a facility:
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Center's recognition by international organizations;
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Physician's accreditations and years of experience;
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Patient reviews;
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Financial coverage (such as insurance options);
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Geographic location.
How Bookimed Can Help You Find the Affordable HIFU Prostate Cancer Cost?
Bookimed coordinators can assist you in finding the best HIFU treatment option abroad. Our services include:
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Finding suitable centers. We connect you with reputable hospitals and clinics offering HIFU for prostate cancer.
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Cost estimates. We provide transparent cost estimates for the treatment and associated expenses.
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Appointment scheduling. We help you schedule your appointment with the chosen center.
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Travel arrangements. We assist with travel arrangements, including flights and accommodations.
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Language assistance. We provide language support to ensure a smooth experience.
By using Bookimed, you can streamline finding and accessing quality HIFU treatment for prostate cancer.
References
Ajami, T., Blachman-Braun, R., Porto, J. G., Ritch, C. R., Gonzalgo, M. L., Punnen, S., Shah, H. N., Parekh, D. J., & Nahar, B. (2024). Combined holmium laser enucleation of the prostate with high-intensity focused ultrasound in treating patients with localized prostate cancer in a prostate with volume > 60 g, 42(9), 289.e1-289.e6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolonc.2024.04.022
Da Silva, P. a. L., & Lima, A. F. C. (2023). Direct costs of treating men with prostate cancer with High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Revista Da Escola De Enfermagem Da USP, 57. https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-220x-reeusp-2023-0132en
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). (n.d.). Prostate Cancer UK. https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/treatments/hifu