High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

1. What is HIFU for prostate cancer?

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-invasive treatment that uses focused sound waves to generate intense heat, which precisely destroys targeted prostate cancer cells. HIFU is an outpatient procedure and an alternative to surgery or radiation for certain patients with localized prostate cancer.

2. Who is a candidate for HIFU?

HIFU is typically recommended for men with:

  • Localized prostate cancer (cancer confined to the prostate)

  • Low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer

  • Cancer that has returned after previous radiation treatment

  • A desire to avoid or delay more invasive treatments

Your urologist may use imaging and biopsy results to determine if HIFU is appropriate for your specific case.

3. How does HIFU work?

During the procedure:

  • High-frequency ultrasound waves are delivered through a probe inserted into the rectum

  • The energy is precisely focused on cancerous tissue within the prostate

  • The focused heat (about 90°C or 194°F) destroys cancer cells without damaging nearby structures

The treatment can be applied to the entire prostate or to just the affected areas (called focal therapy).

4. What are the advantages of HIFU?

HIFU offers several potential benefits:

  • Minimally invasive, no incisions or radiation

  • Outpatient procedure with short recovery time

  • Preserves urinary and sexual function in many patients

  • Can be repeated or followed by other treatments if needed

5. What is the recovery like after HIFU?

Most men recover quickly:

  • You can typically go home the same day

  • You may have a temporary urinary catheter for a few days

  • Mild urinary urgency or discomfort may occur but usually resolves in 1–2 weeks

  • Most patients return to normal activity within a few days

6. What are the risks or side effects of HIFU?

While HIFU is generally well-tolerated, potential side effects include:

  • Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

  • Temporary urinary incontinence or frequency

  • Erectile dysfunction (less common than with surgery or radiation)

  • Urethral stricture or difficulty urinating

Your urologist will discuss ways to manage and monitor these effects.

7. Is HIFU as effective as surgery or radiation?

For select patients with localized prostate cancer, HIFU can be an effective option. While long-term data is still being collected, many studies show promising results in cancer control with fewer side effects than traditional treatments. However, it may not be suitable for all cancer stages or types.

8. Will I need follow-up after HIFU?

Yes. After HIFU, regular follow-up is essential, including:

  • PSA blood tests

  • Imaging (e.g., MRI)

  • Possible repeat biopsy to confirm treatment success

If any cancer is found later, additional treatment options are still available.

9. Is HIFU approved and available in the U.S.?

Yes. The FDA has cleared HIFU for prostate tissue ablation, and it is increasingly offered at specialized urology centers across the U.S. Not all hospitals offer HIFU, so be sure to discuss availability with your urologist.