The future of prostate cancer treatment...

What is focal therapy?

The future of prostate cancer treatment...

What is focal therapy?


What is high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)?

Focal therapy therapy is a new, advanced treatment for prostate cancer that targets only the cancer — not the whole prostate. It uses a precise technique called HIFU to destroy cancerous cells. Focal therapy combines MRI and biopsy data with real-time ultrasound imaging to pinpoint the exact location of prostate cancer. HIFU technology ablates prostate tissue by focusing high-intensity ultrasound waves on the affected area, causing localised heating that destroys the cells in the gland without damaging the healthy surrounding tissue. Focused ultrasound works in the same way as rays of sunlight that pass through a magnifying glass and are concentrated at a single point, equally causing a significant temperature to rise around the focal point.

Pictured: a HIFU treatment machine.

BENEFITS

Why choose focal therapy?

Minimally Invasive

No surgery or radiation, meaning a faster recovery and a significantly reduced risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Highly Accurate

Only targets cancerous cells, preserving the nerves, bladder and surrounding structures.

Repeatable

If needed, focal therapy can be repeated and does not rule out future treatment options.

ELIGIBILITY

Who is focal therapy for?

Research shows that around 40% of newly diagnosed men with prostate cancer could benefit from focal therapy. That’s over 12,000 men a year in the UK — yet fewer than 1,000 currently receive it. Focal therapy is ideal for:

  • Men with localised prostate cancer (cancer that hasn't spread)
  • Those with low or intermediate risk prostate cancer
  • Men who want to preserve sexual function and bladder control
  • Men on active surveillance looking for a proactive step forward

SUPPORTING EVIDENCE

HIFU Treatment Studies

Please take a look at these papers to learn more about the scientific evidence behind the benefits of this groundbreaking prostate cancer treatment.

Whole-gland or subtotal high-intensity focused ultrasound versus radical prostatectomy: The prospective, noninferiority, nonrandomized HIFI trial

Final, three-year oncological results of a randomized clinical trial FARP comparing focal ablation and radical prostatectomy in patients with unilateral clinically significant prostate cancer

Focal therapy - 7 years experience with focal high intensity focused ultrasound in 164 patients with prostate cancer: single center results

Double tap focal therapy with high intensity focused ultrasound reduces infield recurrence

Oncological and functional outcome after partial prostate HIFU ablation with Focal-One®: a prospective single-centre study 

High intensity focused ultrasound hemigland ablation for prostate cancer: Initial outcomes of a United States series

Comparing high-intensity focused ultrasound hemiablation to robotic radical prostatectomy in the management of unilateral prostate cancer: A matched-pair analysis

Focal high intensity focused ultrasound of unilateral localized prostate cancer: A prospective multicentric hemiablation study of 111 patients

Other Types of Focal Therapy

While HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is a leading option for many men with localised prostate cancer, it’s not the only form of focal therapy available. Every patient’s cancer is unique, and the best treatment can depend on factors like tumour location, size, overall health, and personal preference. Two other minimally invasive options, Cryotherapy and NanoKnife®, may be more suitable in some cases. Below is a brief overview of each.

Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy treats prostate cancer by freezing and destroying cancerous tissue. Thin needles are inserted into the prostate, delivering extremely cold gases that create ice balls, which kill cancer cells. It’s most often used for men with early-stage prostate cancer and can be repeated if needed. Cryotherapy is usually performed under anaesthesia and involves a short hospital stay.

NanoKnife®

NanoKnife (irreversible electroporation) uses short, high-voltage electrical pulses to target and destroy cancer cells while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. This technique doesn’t rely on heat or cold, which can make it a good option when the tumour is near sensitive structures like nerves. It’s a promising newer treatment with minimal side effects and a quick recovery time.

Want to know more?

If you are interested in supporting this project through an investment or otherwise, please get in touch with our founder, Graham Fulford MBE FCA, at grahamfulford47@gmail.com or 07831 156071.