MRI guided Ultrasound Ablation HIFU

Hi Guys

I understand that the this is not a generally accepted procedure in the US - I had this performed at University College London. After a few years of waiting, I decided to take part in this clinical trial as I became disillusioned with the side effects of surgery and radiological therapy.

My last biopsy came up with Gleason 3+4, 10% pattern IV. I had the procedure this week and thought that I would report on how things progress.

One of the neatest aspects is the technology involved: the procedure is carried out under general anaesthetic while in an MRI scan machine, which is challenging for all the other instruments to be MRI compliant. The MRI allows a more precise targeting in real-time and subsequently less non-affected tissue is destroyed.

It took six hours to complete and the only discomfort is from the long general anaesthetic (2-3 hours after) and having to wear a catheter (very challenging). If not for the catheter, I would say that one would be functioning back at normal level within a day or two, which is a great benefit for those with limited time.

It is obviously too early for results and an MRI scan will follow in ten days. If not all areas have been covered, the procedure can be repeated.

Statistics are obviously patchy for a relatively new approach. Any recurrence will obviously be linked to the disposition to develop cancer cells in the first place and this would apply to all treatments.

Perhaps we should not obsess about a cure or fight against cancer rather than an approach that will provide quality of life and an extension of life expectancy.

I second the "please keep us posted"! Always interested in alt treatments to RO and surgery and certainly hope yours proves successful.

UPDATE: seven days post procedure and had catheter finally removed. This brought instant relief to feeling unwell.

Urinary control not an issue at all. I feel better now than I did before the HIFU treatment. Zero percent side effects at present. I shall have a follow-up MRI scan next week to see whether there are remaining areas requiring treatment. It is obviously too early for PSA data.

Happy bunny here.

Fascinating! I had focal Hifu performed at Bupa Cromwell 2 years ago by Dr Ahmed. Like you, once the catheter was out I felt great. No side effects. I wish they had MRI guided then.

I am hoping that’s the only treatment i will ever need but continue monitoring with quarterly psa and annual MRI. I’m excited to hear treatment options keep developing.

Keep us posted on your journey and best of health.

Post Edited (bdubs60647) : 4/4/2019 8:45:57 PM (GMT-6)

Not sure what you mean with "control arm". I am not having to pay as this is covered by the National Health in the UK.

Congratulations on your results! I’m glad you feel that you can move on from the forum - I think that really is the hope of most everyone who comes here.

Good luck!

Your diagnosis and treatment choice are atypical to many of the men on this forum. You might want to check in and support recently diagnosed men with questions about your procedure and experience.

The trial that ASAdvocate refers to appears to have only one site; Turku, Finland.
I searched clinicaltrials.gov and found a number of HIFU studies in the UK, but none that used MRI to guide the procedure.

PS: The announcement at the AUA meeting should be interesting...

Yes, the website of the company (PROFOUND Medical) that developed the Tulsa-Pro system, has a map that shows many sites (in Europe) where the system is being tested.
https://profoundmedical.com/
But only the trial conducted in Finland shows up in my search of clinicaltrials.gov. I guess that unless a site enters its info in the database, it won't show up. Is there a lesson here?

As pointed out by ASAdvocate, we will have to wait for FDA approval to allow 'general' use of the Tulsa-Pro system in the USA.