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.