New Ultrasound Treatment Targets Cancer
A new High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) treatment has been announced for the treatment of prostate cancer. The procedure uses ultrasound to destroy deep-seated tissue without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.
The manufacturers of the system, UKHIFU, claim the time for patient recovery after HIFU treatment is significantly less than other therapies like radical prostatectomy. Recovery involves wearing a simple self managed catheter for a short period of time after treatment, and patients typically return to a normal lifestyle almost immediately after the 2 - 3 hour procedure. It is very much a same-day or out patient programme.
http://menshealth.about.com/od/prostatehealth/a/ultrasound_pros.htm
Australian public hospitals are already offering this treatment.
Very interesting and encouraging.