A new study published in the journal European Urology tracked 625 men with prostate cancer who received a type of treatment called high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and found that after 5 years the cancer survival rate from HIFU was 100%. 

Using high-energy ultrasound beams to destroy prostate cancer tumors may be as effective as surgery or radiotherapy, but with fewer side effects.

This has been the largest ever study of HIFU treatment used to target prostate tumors. The treatment is similar to a ‘lumpectomy’ for other cancers—where doctors remove only tumor cells, leaving as much healthy tissue as possible.

The findings, from a number of institutions, including Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare Trust, and University College London, found that after 5 years the cancer survival rate from HIFU was 100%. Approximately, 1 in 10 men needed further treatment. The cancer survival rate from surgery and radiotherapy is also 100% at 5 years.

The research also showed the risk of side effects of HIFU, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, were lower than other treatment options, at 2% and 15% respectively.

The study was funded by the Medical Research Council and SonaCare Inc, who manufacture the ultrasound equipment used in the procedure.

Professor Hashim Ahmed, lead author from the Department of Surgery and Cancer at Imperial, said: “Although prostate cancer survival rates are now very good, the side effects of surgery or radiotherapy can be life-changing. Some patients are left requiring multiple incontinence pads every day, or with severe erectile dysfunction.”

He added: “We need to now focus on improving the quality of life for these men following treatment. This latest trial of focal HIFU—which is the largest and longest study of the treatment to date—suggests we may be able to tackle the cancer with fewer side effects.”