Long-Term Efficiency
In 2013 and 2014, three clinical studies (1;2;3) from French and German centers published long-term results (10 years) of total HIFU treatment and validated its efficacy: according to cancer risk, specific survival rate at 10 years is between 92% and 99%; survival rate without metastasis at 10 years is between 86% and 100%.
Focal Treatment
In november 2016, results of the multicenter study(4) conducted by the French Association of Urology (AFU) on focal treatment (ablation of the infected prostate lobe only) of prostate cancer were published in the European Urology journal. This study showed an absence of clinically significant cancer in the treated lobe in 95% of cases and an optimal preservation of the continence for 97% of the patients and of the erectile function for more than 78% of them.
Continence and Sexual Function Preservation
Multicenter study(4) conducted by the French Association of Urology (AFU) showed optimal preservation of continence for 97% of patients and erectile function for more than 78% of them. In another study carried out by a medical team from Institut Bordet in Brussels(5), 80% of patients retained their sexual function, while more than 94% maintained perfect continence.
HIFU Pprostate Cancer Treatment Efficiency for Recurrence After Radiation Therapy
Dr. Albert Gelet from urology department of Edouard Herriot Hospital in Lyon, was the pioneer in the treatment of local recurrences after radiotherapy with HIFU treatment. An article from Edouard Herriot Hospital medical team has been published in the “Radiotherapy and Oncology” 2012(6) journal describing a series of 290 patients treated with this indication. Results are very satisfactory with 81% of the control biopsies negative for an acceptable morbidity in this population at risk which is offered a new therapeutic chance.
Side Effects
Based on the experience gained and published in the literature since 2000 and as any treatment of prostate cancer, HIFU treatment may have some undesirable effects. Beyond the risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction mentioned above, a narrowing of the urethra and the bladder neck can occur following a focused ultrasound treatment.