Alternative Treatment for Prostate Cancer

There are various methods of treatment now available for prostate cancer.  High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is considered one of the most effective alternatives by many in the medical profession. High Intensity Focused Ultrasound or HIFU is a new treatment for prostate cancer.  HIFU is a minimally invasive technique that uses ultrasound in a very sophisticated way.  The treatment is administered with a specialized process that is similar to a light being shown on a piece of paper with a magnifying glass.   The high intensity ultrasonic beams are applied to the cancerous prostate area via computer controls.  Then, at the same time ultrasound imaging is used to identify the prostate as not to damage the good organs and tissue.  The destroyed cancerous tissue is dispelled with the urine over time.

If you are interested in alternatives that are available, review these prostate cancer treatment options:

Cryotherapy:  2-3 hour procedure with possible overnight stay using controlled freeze and thaw cycles; 4-20% chance of incontinence; 40-100% chance of impotence; 78% disease free survival at 1 year survival; 60% disease free survival at 5-7 years.

Radical Prostatectomy: 2-3 day hospital stay with major surgery to remove prostate; catheter for 2-3 weeks for open surgery; 4-34% chance of incontinence; 51-80% chance of impotence; 85-91% disease free survival at 2 years; 68-72% disease free survival at 10 years.

External Beam Radiation:  6-8 weeks treatment beaming radiation through healthy tissues; bowel problems more common; 4-7% chance of incontinence; 41-62% chance of impotence; 55-65% disease free survival at 5 years;  49% disease free survival at 10 years.

Internal Radiation Seeds(Brachytherapy):  1-2 hour procedure with possible overnight stay using implants of radiation seeds in the prostate;  3-18% chance of incontinence; 44-58% chance of impotence; 85-91% disease free survival at 10-12 years.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): 2-3 hour procedure performed on outpatient basis using precision focused ultrasound waves;  0-2% chance of incontinence; 20-30% chance of impotence; 87% disease free survival at 6 months; 94% disease free survival at 4 years.

There is no surgery involved, so there is no cutting, bleeding, or time necessary for healing.  The entire HIFU procedure generally lasts about two to three hours with no overnight stay.  Once in the recovery room for about an hour, the patient is able to walk out of the hospital to go home.