High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer.
BACKGROUND
The growing interest in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is mainly due to its potential applications as a minimally invasive therapy. HIFU has been assessed for its role in the treatment of localized prostate cancer in patients who otherwise would not have benefited from surgery and in local recurrences after radiation failure.


METHODS
Relevant information on HIFU treatment was identified through a MEDLINE search using specified terms. Papers that presented original outcomes were included in the present review.


RESULTS
High biochemical efficacy, excellent tumor local control and favorable mid-term oncological data with a low morbidity rate have been proven in many series of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Although HIFU is a recent and emerging technology, it has been well studied and developed to a point that HIFU will undoubtedly be an effective alternative to radiation therapy.
Murat
Francois-Joseph
FJ
Urology and Transplantation Department, Edouard Herriot Hospital, 69347 Lyon Cedex 03, France. gfj-murat@club-internet.fr
Poissonnier
Laura
L
Pasticier
Gilles
G
Gelet
Albert
A
D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014463:Ultrasonography / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*