Prostate cancer focal therapy - HIFU Focal One

At Andrología Mallorca, our prostate cancer expert, Dr. Xavier Bonet, performs HIFU Focal One focal therapy for the non-invasive treatment of prostate cancer.

What is HIFU Focal One focal therapy?

HIFU – Focal One (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a non-invasive therapy used for the treatment of prostate cancer.

Unlike classic treatments, which are more radical, such as surgery or radiotherapy, this therapy focuses on treating only the specific part of the prostate where the tumour is located, preserving healthy prostate tissue.

This is why, in selected patients, it achieves the same cure success with a much lower rate of complications associated with surgery or radiotherapy, such as erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence.

Questions about HIFU focal therapy - Focal One

When is it indicated?

Focal HIFU therapy is suitable for patients with low-risk or intermediate-risk prostate cancer and tumours located in a specific area of the prostate.

For this reason, it is essential to first perform a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and make the diagnosis by means of prostate biopsies by ECO/MRI fusion. This provides a clear prostate map of where the area with prostate cancer is to be treated and which healthy areas must be respected.

What does it consist of?

During the HIFU focal therapy procedure, a specialised ultrasound device is used to direct high-frequency sound waves into the area of the prostate tumour. These sound waves generate intense heat (85°) in the targeted area, which kills the cancer cells without damaging the surrounding healthy tissues.

How long does it take?

60 to 120 minutes (depending on the size and number of tumours).

Is the procedure painful?

As the surgery is performed without incisions, through the rectum, pain after treatment is minimal.

What is recovery like?

It is performed without hospitalisation or with a short 24-hour hospitalisation, but it is recommended to rest at home for 2-3 days. Afterwards, normal life can be resumed.

What are the advantages of focal HIFU therapy?

Reduced risk of urinary incontinence: By avoiding treatment of healthy areas of the prostate, focal HIFU therapy can significantly reduce the risk of urinary incontinence after treatment compared to other approaches such as radical prostatectomy.
Preservation of erectile function: By treating only the area affected by the tumour, erectile function can be preserved by minimising damage to nearby nerves and blood vessels, resulting in a better quality of sexual life for patients.
Non-invasive procedure: It is a 2-hour procedure that usually requires only 24 hours of hospitalisation. It also has shorter recovery times and less discomfort for patients.
Minimal side effects: In general, HIFU focal therapy is associated with minimal side effects compared to other treatments.

Do you want more information about HIFU focal therapy - Focal One?

In Andrology Mallorca we are the only team in the Balearic Islands to perform this procedure. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need personalised advice.