AHN Urologists Become the First in Western Pennsylvania to Offer Innovative Ultrasound Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Wednesday, August 07, 2024

Press Releases

PITTSBURGH, PA - Allegheny Health Network (AHN) is the first health care system in the western Pennsylvania region to offer high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for prostate cancer. Intended for patients with early-stage prostate cancer, those undergoing the advanced, minimally invasive procedure are often discharged the same day and experience short recovery periods.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer among men, affecting one in eight. Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic and is typically detected via blood test and biopsy. Commonly diagnosed in men who are 65 or older, an individual's prostate cancer risk increases with age.

Doctors can often cure prostate cancer using a range of treatments that may include radiation therapy and/or a surgical procedure to remove the entire prostate gland, called radical prostatectomy. In 2023, urologists at the AHN Prostate Center began performing robotic-assisted, single port prostatectomies using the da Vinci SP® Surgical System, which allows surgeons to operate on the prostate through a few, small incisions and with enhanced vision, control and precision.

With the addition of the Sonablate® HIFU capability at AHN, patients with early-stage prostate cancer now have another, even less invasive treatment option besides radiation or robotic surgery. HIFU, often referred to as focal therapy, uses high frequency ultrasound waves to target and destroy cancer cells in the prostate while protecting the surrounding tissue. Performed under general anesthesia, doctors insert an ultrasound probe into the rectum to direct ultrasound waves at the cancerous tissue.

"Most patients undergoing this therapy are able to go home the same day as their procedure and fully recover in about five days," says AHN urologist Ralph Miller, MD, who first performed focal therapy at Allegheny General Hospital last May. "We are fortunate to have a variety of good treatment options for prostate cancer, particularly when it's diagnosed early, and this is one that can help some patients avoid the risks and side effects of traditional surgery, chemotherapy and radiation."

Dr. Miller says the ideal candidate for focal therapy typically has low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, located in only one area of the prostate and that has not yet spread to other areas of the body. Because it is a highly targeted and localized treatment, Dr. Miller said that patients undergoing the procedure are less likely to experience side effects that are often associated with more invasive treatments, such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.

Studies evaluating Sonablate® HIFU and focal therapy have shown the treatment to be safe and effective. In one recent study among patients with non-metastatic low to intermediate prostate cancer, oncological outcomes over 8 years were similar between focal therapy and radical prostatectomy.

"The great thing about our Prostate Center at AHN is that every patient is cared for by a comprehensive team of experienced clinicians who develop a treatment plan based on their unique individual profile and needs," Dr. Miller said. "HIFU is another exciting addition to treatment options when considering how best to care for an individual who is diagnosed with this disease."

The AHN Department of Urology offers specialized centers that focus on common urological conditions affecting both men and women. The centers provide care for conditions such as prostate cancer, kidney and adrenal tumors, erectile dysfunction, infertility, urinary dysfunction and more.

To schedule an appointment with an AHN urologist, call (412) DOCTORS.

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