Ways to battle cancer are constantly in development and one of the latest treatments to show promise in treating prostate and other cancers is high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). This method of treatment involves the use of high frequency sound waves specifically targeted at cancer cells. The intensity of the ultrasound waves destroys the cancer cells.
Types of Cancer
Waves from the ultrasound will not pass through bone or air, meaning it will not be effective against some forms of cancer. The types of cancer that are not likely to be helped by HIFU include brain tumors, lung cancer, pelvic-area cancer, lymph-node cancer, skin cancers or head and neck cancers.
However, HIFU treatment has been shown to be successful in battling cancers of the prostate, kidney, liver, pancreas and bladder, according to Cancer Research UK.
When To Use HIFU
Although the full extent of this therapy's usefulness has not yet been determined, doctors see HIFU primarily as an early detection treatment. In addition to being a first line of defense against some cancers, it is also being discussed as a follow up treatment to radiation when the radiotherapy does not produce satisfactory results, according to the American Cancer Society.
HIFU only appears to be effective against single tumor cancers and is not expected to show effectiveness against widespread cases.
Side Effects
According to Ultrasound Therapeutics Limited, side effects from HIFU treatment have been minimal. Some patients have reported a skin reaction similar to minor sunburn that goes away within a few days.
During treatment some patients said they experienced pain at the surface of the skin when treated without anesthesia. The addition of anesthesia eliminated the discomfort during treatment. Some patients said they experienced minor pain after treatment, but it was short-lived and could be controlled with typical pain medications.
There is a very small risk of infection at the treatment site that may be handled with the use of antibiotics. In addition, care is taken to precisely target treatment areas to prevent unnecessary damage to healthy tissue.
Status of Development
This new treatment is in the developmental stages. HIFU is currently being used to some extent in Europe, mostly in clinical trials, but less commonly in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, the treatment still has to undergo more studies to determine its true effectiveness and safety.
Tags: against some, American Cancer, American Cancer Society, cancer cells, Cancer Society, effective against
