High Intensity Focused Ultrasound, or HIFU, is a therapy that destroys tissue with rapid heat elevation-which essentially "cooks" the tissue. Ultrasound energy, or sound waves, is focused at a specific location and at that "focal point," the temperature raises to almost 90 degrees Celsius in a matter of seconds. Any tissue at the "focal point" is destroyed; however, any tissue outside of the focal point remains unharmed.
HIFU has produced oncological results, in studies performed outside the United States, that are broadly comparable to standard therapies and HIFU is a minimally invasive prostate cancer therapy that does not use ionizing radiation1, which can be potentially harmful.
Advantages of HIFU
Disadvantages of HIFU
Precise and Controlled
To perform the procedure I use the Sonablate® device. The Sonablate obtains real-time ultrasound images of your prostate and surrounding areas. From these images, I can plan where the ultrasound energy will be delivered. The Sonablate® software allows me to precisely define the treatment zones or specific areas that I want to treat which can range from a small focal area within the prostate to the entire prostate gland.
Unlike radiation, HIFU is non-ionizing so it can be repeated, if necessary, without damaging healthy tissue.
Unlike radiation, HIFU is non-ionizing so it can be repeated, if necessary, without damaging healthy tissue. This means that HIFU may also be used as a salvage technique if other prostate cancer treatments fail.
The Sonablate® is the only HIFU device for prostate cancer that does not require a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), an invasive, surgical procedure, prior to treatment in order to achieve effective results.
Dr. Scionti has combined his vast skills and experience in treating over 600 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) patients along with his unique HIFU techniques to develop the Advanced HIFU Protocol.
> View Scionti Advanced HIFU Protocol PDF
Aiming At Life is designed to help prostate cancer patients and their families determine if cryotherapy, with its advantages, is a treatment option to discuss with their physician.
> View Dr. Scionti's New Book - Aiming At Life: Targeting Ice Against Prostate Cancer page
Dr. Stephen Scionti, Founder and Director of the Scionti Prostate Center of Boston, has co-authored a new article on the role of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in identifying and treating early stage prostate cancer patients while greatly reducing or even eliminating the risk of damaging side effects from radical surgery.
> View more about MRI Plays Key Role In Future Of Prostate Cancer Treatment
