Cleveland Clinic London offers HIFU for prostate cancer

Cleveland Clinic London has become the first in England to offer robotic focal high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy (HIFU) for prostate cancer.

Robotic Focal HIFU can be used to precisely target a specific section of the prostate using focused ultrasound beams. This means surrounding healthy tissue is unharmed and common side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are reduced.

Prof Senthil Nathan, Cleveland Clinic London chairman for urology, led the surgical team during the first procedures.

‘Prostate cancer treatment depends on how advanced the cancer is and what is right for each individual,’ he said. ‘HIFU offers patients a less invasive option that uses ultrasound waves to target the cancer and reduces the risk of damage to the healthy tissue.’

The procedure involves inserting a small ultrasound probe with imaging device into the patient’s rectum. This scans the prostate and creates a 3D computerised map of the area to be treated. High-intensity and highly focused sound waves are then emitted from the device to ablate the targeted tissue area.

‘This latest treatment option represents the future of urologic oncology care in the UK and reflects our commitment to leading the way in innovation,’ said Nathan.