HIFU Treatment
HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Traditionally HIFU was used as a secondary (salvage) treatment following surgery or radiotherapy, but evidence now suggests that it can be of benefit to men with localised prostate cancer. Suitability for treatment depends on multiple variables including PSA (prostate specific antigen), prostate volume, biopsy results, the tumour grade and stage, the individual's general health and age, specialist advice and patient preference. Unfortunately HIFU treatment is not available in Ireland as yet, but some men have travelled to the UK for treatment. To date the outcomes of HIFU are promising but further research with long term follow-up is necessary. If you are interested in HIFU treatment, have a chat with your urologist and ask if it is an option for you.
For further information on HIFU, please contact the freefone Prostate Cancer Information Service at 1800 380 380 Mon-Thurs, 9am-7pm, Fri 9am-5pm and speak with one of our nurses trained in cancer care.
Comments
is hifu available in Ireland or england. if it is what is the cost
This study at Guy's & St. Thomas in London, raises serious questions about the Ablatherm HIFU process. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19220245
Have spoken to man from Newry, Co. Down who had the HIFU treatment and got the all-clear some two months afterwards.
He was fulsome in his praise of the procedure. Had his treatment in London on a trial basis.
I have made some enquiries re the treatment and learned that the cost is around 12,000 Stg. There are requirements also re medical records from your biopies, etc., in Ireland as well as scans, etc.
I would welcome any info that other people might have. The procedure is less invasive than surgery and the side effects are much less.
Hi pjcamp,
I was beginning to wonder would there ever be another post on the PCa forum!
The jury is still out on HIFU treatment. Have a look at my previous post - the one before yours. In addition, many of the HIFU studies appear to have been on men with Gleason scores below 7.
HIFU has been around for years, but, as a PCa treatment, it is still relatively new. Consequently the depth of knowledge on outcomes hasn't been built up fully yet.
Whatever treatment he chooses, it is crucial that every man be [u:3hi7lq5k]as informed as possible[/u:3hi7lq5k] with regard to both the effectiveness and the side-effects of each option. No matter which option taken, there are always drawbacks.
Wrt the man you spoke to - two months is far too early to 'get the all clear'. It is normal to have a checkup after 3 months, then 6 monthly for 5 years, with annual checkups after that. After 5 years of static low levels, you might be able to say that you've 'got the all clear'
does anybody know any person that has had this treatment in ireland