HIFU Focal Therapy

Former Member
Former Member
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Hi, I have just been diagnosed with early stage localised prostate cancer.   I have not yet spoken to Oncology or Radiotherapy professors, that's due in a couple of weeks.

I am researching the options and saw HIFU Focal Therapy this on the web.  I sent a message to them on Saturday and I had a 30min call today describing the treatment.   From what I've seen, it looks like a no-brainer compared to the risks related to alternatives, including robotic surgery which sounds the best of the rest.  I don't want to wait and see and radiotherapy looks risky.

I am 66, otherwise in good health and keep fit, still working, run 8 miles most Sundays and were it not for Covid had entered 5 half marathons this year (all postponed).  I have organ confined prostate cancer Gleason 3+3=6 with a maximum core length of between 1.5 and 2cm. Prostate Cancer has been found on the Left hand Side of the Prostate Gland. (5 of 6 cores taken were positive) The biopsies taken on the Right Hand Side of the Prostate Gland were negative.  I have private health insurance and the Focal Therapy clinic think I should be a suitable candidate.

I am somewhat overwhelmed by all the alternatives, including Nanoknife which HIFU states is not as good as its treatment which they say has a very strong success rate with limited issues prevalent in the alternatives.  

Any views on this would be much appreciated, especially from anyone who has undergone HIFU Focal Therapy.  Thank you.

  • Former Member
    Former Member in reply to Former Member

    Thanks for that info, Robin, sounds like nothing to worry about which is good news!

    all the best as always!

  • 16 months go I was diagnosed with PC rated at Gleason 7. Two friends had PC treated with radiotherapy, one 9 years ago and another 3 years ago with no further problems.. I looked at HIFU which was private but decided to go NHS. They gave me two options HDR Brachy therapy where the seeds are inserted for a short time then retracted, or 20 sessions RT together with Prostap for a few months. My PSA at diagnosis was 12.6. I had the Radio Therapy and was very careful to follow instructions prior to treatment, full bladder and empty bowel. The actual therapy is only 60 seconds, but it took me 2 hours a day travelling, getting prepared drinking 600 ml of water and waiting 30 mins for bladder to fill. Treatment seemed to go quickly over the 4 weeks and my PSA went to 0.03 where it still remains at my last blood test on 5th Jan. I have had no further problems such as incontinence or restricted urine flow. The Prostap does suppress my libido but at 76 not a big worry at the moment. May return after the last jab wears off.

    Regards, Dougie