prostate-report.org

HIFU as salvage therapy for radiation failure

One of the proposed uses for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)  has been as a treatment option for men with a rising PSA after first-line treatment with external beam radiation therapy (EBRT).

A new study at Oslo University Hospital, Norway, offers data on a small series of Norwegian patients treated with HIFU for progressive disease post-EBRT since October 2006. The abstract does not provide any detailed information about the type of HIFU equipment (Sonoblate or Ablatherm) used in this series of patients.

The authors conclude that these early data on salvage HIFU in patients with local recurrence after EBRT suggest that the procedure may be “a reasonable treatment option.” However, they also note that, “The side-effects are not negligible,” and that “better patient selection criteria are needed.”