Using Ultrasound to Kill Prostate Cancer Cells

In the minimally invasive procedure, doctors use 3-D ultrasound technology to locate cancerous cells. They then use HIFU to elevate tissue temperatures to 70-90oC in durations of up to four seconds, killing the cancer without damaging the tissue surrounding the prostate. The procedure can usually be completed within three hours, and the patient can go home after the anesthetic wears off. Candidates for the procedure are between 40 and 80 years of age, have confined prostate cancer, no bleeding disorder, and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) level of 10 or less. Patients who have failed previous external radiation for prostate cancer are also potential candidates.

"This minimally invasive surgical procedure is painless and bloodless, and the energy from the ultrasound waves is non-ionizing and can be applied repeatedly,” notes Michael Koch, M.D., principal investigator of the trial and chairman of the department of urology at the Indiana University School of Medicine (Indianapolis, IN, USA), one of the two approved trial sites.




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Indiana U. School of Med.