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HIFU stands for high-intensity focused ultrasound. It is a non-invasive procedure which uses sound waves, instead of surgery or radiation, to image and destroy prostate cancers. With real-time imaging and software, HIFU delivers precise, focused ultrasound energy targeted to the diseased cells of the prostate.

���Ĵ�ý is only one of a few centers on the West Coast to offer HIFU. Speak with your doctor to determine if HIFU would be an effective strategy for your prostate cancer.

Because HIFU only targets diseased cells, there is less impact to the essential nerves, blood vessels, and muscles surrounding the prostate that are critical for sexual function and urinary continence.��

HIFU also requires a shorter treatment time and early results indicate fewer side effects than standard surgical or radiation therapies.��

As with any treatment, speak with your doctor about potential side effects.

The goals of HIFU treatment are to:

• Destroy clinically significant prostate cancers that are visible on the pre-treatment MRI
• Preserve sexual function
• Reduce the need for more aggressive treatments like surgery or radiation, which can be accompanied by side effects
• Preserve urinary continence

HIFU is a��non-invasive, outpatient��procedure. We use IV sedation to help you stay comfortable.

During the procedure, your doctor will place the ultrasound probe through the rectum next to the prostate. The probe first scans your prostate, creating a real-time 3-dimensional image on a computer screen. Your physician will see an accurate picture of your prostate and will be able to define the area to be treated.

Once the area is defined, your doctor will position the probe to send high-intensity ultrasonic waves directly at the affected cells of the prostate. The ultrasonic energy destroys the cancer, while minimizing damage to the surrounding tissue and structures. This process will continue until the entire targeted area has been treated.

Ideal candidates for HIFU are men who:

• Are��hoping to preserve continence and sexual function
• Have satisfactory sexual function
• Have cancer visible on MRI and confined to the prostate
• Have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level below 20ng/ml

Talk with your doctor to determine if HIFU would be a good treatment strategy for your prostate cancer.��

HIFU is typically completed in one session lasting 2-3 hours. It does not require an overnight stay at the hospital.

Most patients only need one session of HIFU.

One of the goals of HIFU is to reduce the need for more aggressive treatments, such as surgery or radiation.�� Additional treatments are reserved for those men who have signs of cancer returning after treatment.

HIFU is a new, FDA-approved procedure performed at ���Ĵ�ý. It is still, however, considered experimental as U.S. physicians continue to gather data. The procedure has been available in Europe for more than 10 years, with promising results with respect to cancer control and side effects.

As with all tissue-sparing therapies, including HIFU, there is a risk of recurrence since the entire prostate gland is not treated.�� This may require re-treatment with HIFU or another form of prostate cancer treatment, such as surgery or radiation therapy.