New Non-Invasive Prostate Cancer Treatment

BOISE,ID (CBS2) — A new technology is offering hope to men with low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer by providing a less invasive treatment option. Dr. Chris Reising, a surgeon and medical director at Saint Alphonsus, emphasized the significance of this advancement, stating, "This is really important technology that’s a destination Patients that are involved in urology outreach at clinics far beyond Boise are going to learn about this technology and come to have it performed."

Dr. Reising highlighted the hospital's commitment to minimally invasive treatments, saying, "At our core, we believe in investment in technology, in people, and the teams that put that technology together for our patients. And we’re focused on minimally invasive treatments, because we know in the best hands, that leads to the best outcomes for patients."

High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is the technology in question, and it targets only cancerous tissue, preserving healthy surrounding tissue and minimizing potential complications. Dr. Nicholas Kuntz, a urologist at the Idaho Urologic Institute, explained, "It’s a focal treatment for prostate cancer. Now, it’s not a treatment for all men, but for a certain select cohort of men that may benefit with low to intermediate risk disease."

Dr. Kuntz further noted the advantages of HIFU, stating, "We’re talking about much earlier return to convalescence, doing things that you do, shorter recovery, no incisions and it’s much less invasive."

The treatment time for HIFU is relatively short, with Dr. Kuntz explaining, "Treatment times will vary, but generally will range between 45 minutes and up to two hours. It’s a same day operation, so you’ll plan to be here for the procedure, a short recovery, and then you go home the same day."

For many men, the availability of HIFU provides peace of mind. Dr. Reising said, "A lot of people get a sense of relief that there’s an additional, third option that comes with less risk, less recovery."

Unlike more conventional treatments, HIFU has fewer major side effects. Dr. Kuntz pointed out, "The primary effects on urinary function and sexual function, that’s a main limiting factor to why a lot of men don’t want to proceed with conventional treatment. And this offers a significant benefit with regard to both of those."