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Hifu Side Effects

The High Intensity Focus Ultrasound (HIFU) medical device is piloted by computer and is generally used to treat localized prostate cancer. It is considered a minimally invasive procedure, much safer than surgery or radiation, but it does have side effects and limitations, according to the American Urological Association Foundation.

  1. How it Works

    • The American Urological Association Foundation describes HIFU as a minimally invasive treatment for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). With the use of anesthesia, a special probe is placed inside the rectum near the prostate. HIFU, or ultrasound waves, heat the prostate to a very high temperature which in turn destroys the prostate tissue. There is initial swelling of the heated prostate tissue but it shrinks in about two weeks.

    Types of HIFU

    • The Pine Street Foundation lists two types of HIFU technology. One is transrectal HIFU, which is used by inserting a rectal probe and directing sound waves directly at the prostate. The other technology is extracorporeal HIFU. In this type of treatment the sound waves are directed to tumor lesions by a device used outside of the body.

    Side Effects

    • According to the Pine Street Foundation, side effects vary according to the type of cancer being treated. They include superficial skin burns, fever, and mild to moderate pain. HIFU used on the prostate can cause impotence and incontinence. Rare cases of infection at the ablation site have been reported.

    Advantages

    • HIFU is non-invasive and there are no incisions through the skin or muscles and no punctures into the tumor. While surgery can damage surrounding tissues and is associated with mortality due to complications, HIFU only destroys the tumor and a small margin. In addition, it usually requires only one or two sessions. HIFU compares favorably to treatments currently offered and does not increase the risk of metasis as in the case of surgery.

    Limitations

    • Although it has a high degree of precision, HIFU can damage adjacent structures especially if it is hollow, such as the lungs or bowels, causing complications. It can treat bone cancer, but likely cannot treat cancer that lies in soft tissue behind the bone. A session can take one to six hours and requires absolute mobility to ensure accuracy; this can make a general or local anesthesia necessary.

    FDA Approval

    • According to the Pine Street Foundation, HIFU is currently FDA approved for the treatment of uterine fibroids. It is used for the treatment of prostate cancer in over one hundred clinical centers in Canada, Europe and South America. HIFU is used in various clinical trials in the United States.

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