As one might suspect, this means that if the location and size of a tumor can be accurately determined through pre-treatment imaging such as Artemis, it is possible to apply HIFU to a variety of other cancers besides prostate cancer.
HIFU is still being tested as a prostate cancer treatment in the U.S. and is not yet FDAcleared. However, because of its demonstrated success and safety, current U.S. clinical trials are ongoing not only for primary (first-time) prostate cancer and recurrent prostate cancer after radiation, but also for the following disease conditions:
- Breast tumors
- Pancreatic tumors
- Kidney tumors
- Liver tumors
- Parathyroid adenoma
- Atrial fibrillation
- Palliative management of bone metastasis
- Glaucoma
The clinical trials of so many applications attests to the documented HIFU results published around the globe. Certainly, prostate cancer patients who decide to travel to non-U.S. locations for treatment in the hands of a HIFU leader such as Dr. Stephen Scionti are confident in the strong success rates with significantly low side effects.
While many prostate cancer patients cannot afford this choice, they may be candidates for participation in a clinical trial. Generally, participants gain free-to-low-cost treatment at a research facility—often a top academic center—in return for their commitment to cooperate with study requirements through the duration of the follow-up term, which may be up to two years. For more information, visit www.clinicaltrials.gov and enter the search terms "prostate and HIFU" for a list. You will have to sort for a) those that are appropriate for your condition, b) patient eligibility requirements, and c) geographic location of participating centers. Most centers rule out those whose distance would make it difficult to attend all follow up appointments, but it is worth exploring the opportunity.
