About this page. This is a plain English summary of two emerging prostate cancer treatments: HIFU and cryotherapy. It does not replace medical advice from your own doctor or specialist.
For full information and references, please read the detailed page.
What does "experimental" mean here?
The word experimental on this page does not mean the treatments are untested. It means there is not yet enough long-term evidence (10 to 15 years of follow-up) to compare them directly with surgery or radiotherapy. They can be reasonable options for selected patients, particularly within a clinical trial.
1. HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound)
HIFU uses focused soundwaves to heat the prostate so that cancer cells die. The soundwaves are delivered through a probe placed in the back passage.
There are two main HIFU machines:
- Ablatherm, used widely in Europe.
- Sonablate, used mainly in Japan.
Dr Kooner travelled to Japan and trained with the world leader in the Sonablate technique.
Advantages:
- It is repeatable. If needed, it can be given again.
- Usually a day procedure or one overnight stay.
- Sometimes combined with a procedure to help with passing urine.
HIFU may be a reasonable option for selected patients, particularly those who are not suitable for surgery or radiotherapy.
2. Cryotherapy (freezing)
Cryotherapy works in the opposite way to HIFU: it freezes the prostate to destroy cancer cells. It is only performed in a small number of centres, mainly in the United States.
Its main role is for men whose cancer has come back after radiotherapy, where the usual treatments are limited.
Important things to know
- Both HIFU and cryotherapy can cause problems with erections. The rate is higher than for some other treatments.
- We do not yet have 10 to 15 year results to compare HIFU or cryotherapy with surgery or radiotherapy. That is the main reason they are still considered experimental in Australia.
- Cryotherapy is not used much in Australia. Long-term cure rates are still uncertain.
- Both options are most appropriate within a clinical trial, or when the standard treatments are not suitable for you.
- If a clinic is offering you HIFU or cryotherapy, it is reasonable to ask: how many cases the surgeon has done, what their results are, and whether you would also be eligible for surgery or radiotherapy.
What you can do next
- Read the full detailed page with references.
- Short version overview of treatment options.
- Short version: active surveillance for low-risk cancers.
- Request a second opinion before deciding.
- Call 02 8382 6980 to make an appointment.