Trial Evaluates Ultrasound on Early-Stage Prostate Cancer

In a U.S. clinical trial, researchers are evaluating the use of high-intensity sound waves to treat early-stage prostate cancer.

The nonsurgical technique, which is widely used in Europe, is not yet U.S. Food and Drug Administration- (FDA)-approved for use in the United States. The purpose of this trial is to assess the safety and effectiveness of the technique, called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), as the first-line treatment in men with newly-diagnosed, localized prostate cancer.

The researchers, from Duke University Medical Center (Durham, NC, USA), will compare the technique with cryotherapy, a common treatment that involves freezing the prostate gland. According to Christopher Schneider, president of medical devices at HealthTronics, Inc. (Austin, TX, USA), the company sponsoring the clinical trial, different types of HIFU technology have been tested in clinical trials at U.S. universities in men with recurrent prostate cancer for whom radiation therapy has failed to work.

HIFU, developed by EDAP TMS and the French National Institute for Medical Research, was first used in 1993 in Europe. According to recent studies, 80-94% of men remained free of cancer for up to seven years after treatment.

HIFU is not without some risks, however, according to Dr. Robertson. About 50% of men experience some form of sexual dysfunction, and 5-10% experience some mild urinary incontinence after the procedure. A small number of men also may experience rectal burns from the ultrasound waves.



Related Links:
Duke University Medical Center
HealthTronics