HIFU for prostate and breast cancer

About this approach

High-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, concentrates ultrasound energy in a planned area to heat and destroy tissue without an incision. In prostate cancer, specialist centers use focal HIFU for selected localized disease after MRI and biopsy mapping. Breast-cancer HIFU is currently documented in early clinical studies that test tumor ablation and immune effects; the reviewed sources do not describe it as routine breast-cancer treatment. HIFU is also different from TULSA-PRO, which delivers ultrasound through the urethra with MRI temperature monitoring.

Where it fits: Focal prostate-tissue ablation; breast-cancer use currently documented in clinical research

Where this treatment is used

Prostate programs therefore use careful MRI, biopsy, and multidisciplinary selection, followed by PSA, imaging, and often repeat biopsy. For breast cancer, the reviewed NCI records describe Phase I studies of MRI-guided HIFU before surgery and HIFU combined with pembrolizumab in metastatic disease. Those studies establish the current documented setting for breast HIFU: research protocols with defined eligibility and follow-up.

Procedure and practical considerations

For prostate HIFU. Breast-study risks depend on the device and protocol and may include pain, skin or tissue injury, incomplete ablation, and the risks of any medicines or biopsy procedures used with it.

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Clinics reporting this approach

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