March 17, 2006: Dr. Giovanni Colombo, M. D. - Medical Director of Research and Principal Investigator, Specialty Care Research, Peoria, IL

High intensity ultrasound (HIFU) in the treatment of prostate cancer

    Recent technological advances in the treatment of prostate cancer have focused on decreasing side effects while maintaining the success rates seen with traditional therapies such as external beam radiation and radical prostatectomy.  From interstial implants to cryotherapy and IMRT, attempts have been made to decrease the side effects of erectile dysfunction and incontinence.  With continuous real time sonographic monitoring and computerized software which allows for ultrasound waves to be focused transrectally at the prostate, the treating physician is able to customize treatment in real time for either global or focal ablation of the prostate.  This allows for precise preservation of normal tissue (i.e. neurovascular bundles, sphincter, etc.)  This therapy is not currently available in the US except in clinical trials but has shown promising results in European and Asian trials with excellent cure rates and functional preservation.