Connect
← Return to Any experiences with HIFU localized ablation for prostate cancer?
Discussion
Any experiences with HIFU localized ablation for prostate cancer?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Nov 21, 2023 | Replies (32)Comment receiving replies
One urologist I consulted last month proposed HIFU based upon my MRI (two lesions Pi-RADS 4 with one 0.9cm and the other 0.4cm). This is the very first time that anyone I have seen has proposed this as a way of killing prostate cancer. I was told that if the cancer is not irradicated that it can be done again with radiation and surgery still being viable after the HIFU. Has anyone had any experience with this. I believe Medicare just approved it in January of this year, 2023. It has received FDA approval in a prior year but not sure what year.
Replies to "One urologist I consulted last month proposed HIFU based upon my MRI (two lesions Pi-RADS 4..."
When I went to Mayo/Rochester for biopsy (11/2019) I was aware of laser ablation. I found out that Mayo wasn't, at that time, doing laser ablation, but was doing cryo ablation experimentally. I had an anterior tumor in my prostate (Gleason score 4+3). I was approved by Mayo for cryo ablation, but when I asked about reoccurrences I believe the answer was 25% in two years time. For me (age 70 at the time) that was too high a number and too soon. I rolled to Proton Beam Treatment, which I had five treatments in early February 2020, with a short course of ADT (4 months). So far my PSA is staying around .02.
My brother had HIFU in 2015. He was 67 at the time. Eight years later, he remains cancer-free. I believe there was only one doctor using that procedure then and he was based in Miami.
Fascinating. Thank you mates. Technology advancements give us all hope.
Connect
It might be the right decision but you may want to get a second opinion as there are many options out there. Urologists and Radiation Oncologists lean towards recommending what they have used for years which may or may not be the best for you. I just finished my 5 radiation treatments with the MRIdian machine from Viewray. Healthy tissue impact is REALLY important regarding side effects. Good luck.