High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer: Current clinical status, outcomes and future perspectives

Two devices are currently available for the treatment of prostate cancer with HIFU: Sonablate® and Ablatherm®. The outcomes achieved for primary-care patient are very promissing with mid- and long-term progression-free survival rates around 70%, negative postoperative prostate biopsies almost 85%, and an excellent morbidity profile. Moreover, HIFU has a considerable potential for local recurrence after radiation failure. Recently, some early experiences on focal therapy suggest that HIFU could be an excellent option for highly selected patient.