Transrectal focused ultrasound treatment of localized prostate cancer

Abstract

Since 1989, a research project with the aim of establishing treatment of localized prostate cancer by means of high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) has been developed. The treatment of localized prostate cancer with HIFU, is administered transrectally, using ultrasound guidance only. The quality of the induced necrosis depends to a large extent on the choice of firing parameters: power, frequency, numbers and position of shots, shots duration, waiting time between shots and the shape of the acoustical field. The lesions are created by a thermal effect. Their slightly conical form is due to the absorption of the ultrasound wave by the tissues, increased by cavitation bubbles. Recently, it has been shown that real time elastography has the potential to accurately depict the ablated volume during a HIFU session, therefore providing feedback on the treatment. Results obtained since 1993 demonstrate that transrectal HIFU prostate ablation is an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with localized prostatic adenocarcinoma.