The University of Southern California's Institute of Urology has successfully trialed a new, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedure on three prostate cancer patients who had their tumors ameliorated by the treatment.
If successful on a broader scale, the treatment would set a new precedent for privacy and comfort in effective prostate cancer treatment.
“The goal of focal HIFU is to target and destroy only the significant cancer lesion, thereby preserving the delicate nerves around the prostate, thus protecting both continence and potency,” founding executive director of the USC Institute of Urology and urology professor Inderbir Gill said. “This is a noninvasive, nonsurgical, outpatient procedure that does not involve any radiation. There is no blood loss, the recovery is quick and typically the patient is back on his feet and discharged the same day.”
Brett Lindsay was the first to receive the treatment, and was traveling on business five days after his treatment.
“I was anxious to find a form of treatment that would remove my cancer, but still allow me to get back on the road with minimal down time,” Lindsay said. “With HIFU I can continue working with my team and still have the energy to get in a few rounds of golf on the weekends.”
Alerts Sign-up