HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) Experience

Hi

I hope my story might be useful for some.

I am 56 years old from Bristol and was diagnosed last October 2023 with localised prostate cancer on the right (peripheral) side only. I caught it early by chance. My wife suggested asking my local doctor for a PSA check. My PSA was high at 6.7 ug/L and the (unpleasant) biopsy determined I had a Gleason score of 7 (3+4) - grade group 2 - medium aggressive risk.

After doing lots of research online I saw that the outcomes from a radical prostatectomy and other treatments were pretty depressing. I wanted to preserve as much of my lifestyle as possible. Two consultants recommended a radical prostatectomy.

I then looked into HIFU and saw that, thanks to the great efforts of the charity Prost8 UK a new 'Sonablate' (HIFU) machine had just recently been supplied to nearby Bath RUH. One of the leading experts in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment Professor Hashim Ahmed from Imperial College London helped train the amazing team at Bath led by Lucy Simmons and Jon McFarlane. I asked for a referral via my GP and spoke to Bath in January. Prost8 UK also helped move things along.

I also watched two free live webinars about focal therapies (HIFU being one) kindly provided by Imperial College London. It seemed like the best option for me given my early diagnosis and age. I highly recommend watching one if you can.

HIFU is available on the NHS and it's worth researching where your nearest centre is that offers it.

I had HIFU treatment in March thanks to the NHS and Prost8 UK charity at Bath RUH. I was a day patient - in and out in 8 hours. I had a catheter for 10 days which was the worst part as it's uncomfortable and annoying. I also had painful bladder spasms with the catheter but the ibuprofen, paracetamol and Tamsulosin drugs helped.

My PSA is now 0.81 (end of June 2024 - 3 months post-treatment) and I have very little discomfort. I’m almost back to normal. My outcome has been so much less damaging than more invasive treatments.  There has been some nerve damage but it's not bad. According to the available statistics, the only increased risk is a margin of around 5% more chance of recurrence compared to other treatments; so 20% (around 1 in 5) rather than 25% (1 in 4) chance of recurrence.

I also has a few useful counselling sessions with the Penny Brohn centre near Bristol who are incredibly supportive and friendly. This helped with the emotional shock of it all and coming to terms with it.

Whatever path you choose, I wish you all the very best for a successful outcome.