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Uses of HIFUHIFU is an innovative technology that harnesses the power of sound waves to treat internal conditions. In general, it is a non-invasive ablative technique to destroy tissue or tumors deep within the body. because it does not have a ionizing effect in the surrounding tissue, many researchers believe it could be an ideal treatment for cancer, especially when the cancer does not respond to traditional treatment options like radiation.
HIFU is being used successfully in clinics and treatment facilities around the world. Many uses of HIFU are currently in clinical trials in the United States, while others have been successfully implemented into the American medical community. Some uses of HIFU include the following: |
Prostate Conditions
HIFU can be used to treat prostate cancer and BPH. The accuracy of the treatment allows the urologist to target the prostatic tissue without much damage to surrounding areas. HIFU for prostate conditions is delivered through a transrectal probe. The procedure causes the temperature of the gland to rise quickly. This destroys the glandular tissue, along with any cancer found in it.
HIFU can be used for prostate cancer patients who have had their cancer return after other treatment options. It can also be repeated because it is non-ionizing. When treating BPH, the treatment focuses on destroying the tissue near the urinary tract. In this case, some of the gland may be left intact.
Blood Loss
Current studies indicate that HIFU may be able to be used to stop blood loss inside the body after a severe trauma such as a car accident. Specifically, studies indicate that the potentially fatal blood loss that occurs when the liver is lacerated can be treated with HIFU. The focal zone targets the blood vessels that are bleeding, effectively cauterizing them and preventing further blood loss.
Uterine Fibroids
HIFU has recently received FDA approval as a treatment option for women suffering from uterine fibroids. This treatment involves using high-quality imaging technology to locate the uterine fibroids. Once they are located, the ultrasound waves are focused directly on the tumors, heating and destroying them. This is far less invasive than the alterative treatment, which is the surgical removal of some of the fibroids or the entire uterus.
Other Cancers
Because of the way HIFU can target specific locations within the body and destroy the tissue found there, it can be used to treat other cancers besides prostate cancer. Studies are currently being done to determine the effectiveness of HIFU to treat breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, bone tumors, and kidney cancer. In many countries outside of the U.S., including the United Kingdom, HIFU is currently being used to treat several of these malignancies. Early detection is the key to using HIFU successfully to treat these tumors.
Clinical Trials in the United States
Currently, the United States has approved HIFU for treatment of only a few conditions. Clinical trials are underway to determine how effective the treatment is for the various conditions.
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