For more information, visit our COVID-19 Resource Center.
Targeted sound waves that heat and destroy prostate cancer tissue with minimal side effects
HIFU uses focused, intense heat to destroy prostate cancer. Sound waves kill cancer cells without the use of radiation or incisions.
HIFU also helps men avoid common side effects like urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
High-Frequency Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment is similar to using sunlight through a magnifying glass to heat an area intensely. Ultrasound waves are the energy source, and high heat burns the cancerous tissues.
HIFU procedures generally last two to three hours as outpatient procedures. During treatment, your physician:
HIFU treats cancer only within your prostate as a targeted therapy, which minimizes side effects. Doctors can preserve the muscles, nerves and body structures responsible for nearby bodily functions.
HIFU is best for people with intermediate-risk (Grade 2) prostate cancer that hasn’t spread and is limited to one area of the prostate. Your urologist will help you understand your specific risks and treatment goals to help you make the best decision for you.
We don’t recommend HIFU for cancer that:
In these situations, whole-gland therapies, such as prostatectomy or radiation, may be best.
IU School of Medicine physicists and engineers — with help from IU Health surgeons — pioneered HIFU treatment for prostate cancer in the 1990s. Since then, we have made it even more effective. We remain leaders today in improving and administering this minimally invasive treatment.
As one of the first training centers in the U.S., we teach doctors nationwide how to perform HIFU. We are also one of the highest-volume HIFU centers in the country. Our urologists bring this unparalleled expertise and experience to your treatment.
Our prostate cancer specialists conduct clinical trials at the IU Health Academic Health Center. One trial involves using PSMA PET imaging and MRI scans to plan HIFU treatments. PSMA PET imaging helps doctors more accurately target and destroy cancerous tissue while saving surrounding healthy tissue and nerves.
Some patients with prostate cancer have their entire prostate removed or radiated — even if the cancer is small or hasn’t spread. Using sophisticated imaging, our doctors can create treatment plans that are specific to your needs. This approach helps reduce stress and minimize side effects.
High-Frequency Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment is similar to using sunlight through a magnifying glass to heat an area intensely. Ultrasound waves are the energy source, and high heat burns the cancerous tissues.
HIFU procedures generally last two to three hours as outpatient procedures. During treatment, your physician:
HIFU treats cancer only within your prostate as a targeted therapy, which minimizes side effects. Doctors can preserve the muscles, nerves and body structures responsible for nearby bodily functions.
HIFU is best for people with intermediate-risk (Grade 2) prostate cancer that hasn’t spread and is limited to one area of the prostate. Your urologist will help you understand your specific risks and treatment goals to help you make the best decision for you.
We don’t recommend HIFU for cancer that:
In these situations, whole-gland therapies, such as prostatectomy or radiation, may be best.
IU School of Medicine physicists and engineers — with help from IU Health surgeons — pioneered HIFU treatment for prostate cancer in the 1990s. Since then, we have made it even more effective. We remain leaders today in improving and administering this minimally invasive treatment.
As one of the first training centers in the U.S., we teach doctors nationwide how to perform HIFU. We are also one of the highest-volume HIFU centers in the country. Our urologists bring this unparalleled expertise and experience to your treatment.
Our prostate cancer specialists conduct clinical trials at the IU Health Academic Health Center. One trial involves using PSMA PET imaging and MRI scans to plan HIFU treatments. PSMA PET imaging helps doctors more accurately target and destroy cancerous tissue while saving surrounding healthy tissue and nerves.
Some patients with prostate cancer have their entire prostate removed or radiated — even if the cancer is small or hasn’t spread. Using sophisticated imaging, our doctors can create treatment plans that are specific to your needs. This approach helps reduce stress and minimize side effects.
Before your procedure, you’ll receive instructions for bowel preparation to clear out your intestines. The prep is similar to what you would do for a colonoscopy.
Before your procedure, you’ll receive instructions for bowel preparation to clear out your intestines. The prep is similar to what you would do for a colonoscopy.
After this prostate cancer treatment:
Around 80% of patients see good outcomes from HIFU treatment. The remaining 20% may need more treatment, which may include HIFU again, surgery or radiation.
After this prostate cancer treatment:
Around 80% of patients see good outcomes from HIFU treatment. The remaining 20% may need more treatment, which may include HIFU again, surgery or radiation.
Insurance companies do not cover HIFU procedures for the initial treatment of prostate cancer. Medicare covers the costs of HIFU to treat cancer that has returned in the prostate after radiation therapy to the prostate.
The risk of urinary leakage or incontinence is less than 1%. The risk of significant erectile dysfunction is less than 5%.
HIFU was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 to remove prostate tissue. It has not been approved to treat prostate cancer and is considered investigational in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, HIFU may be a treatment option for you through a clinical trial. Your doctor can help you understand your eligibility and address any questions you may have.
Insurance companies do not cover HIFU procedures for the initial treatment of prostate cancer. Medicare covers the costs of HIFU to treat cancer that has returned in the prostate after radiation therapy to the prostate.
The risk of urinary leakage or incontinence is less than 1%. The risk of significant erectile dysfunction is less than 5%.
HIFU was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2015 to remove prostate tissue. It has not been approved to treat prostate cancer and is considered investigational in the United States. If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, HIFU may be a treatment option for you through a clinical trial. Your doctor can help you understand your eligibility and address any questions you may have.