Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi launches ultrasound treatment for prostate cancer

The technology uses real-time robotic guidance.

Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi unveiled the High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) in Abu Dhabi, serving as a new approach to prostate cancer with advanced imaging.

The Focal One HIFU therapy aims to address localised prostate cancer through advanced imaging that accurately locates and treats prostate tumours, as well as limits the risk of side effects.

The non-surgical procedure serves as a minimally invasive alternative procedure for patients, without the need for incisions or anesthesia. It is performed through real-time robotic guidance, wherein the system executes controlled sound waves to the prostate, which eliminates cancer cells with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.

As the therapy targets the cancerous tissue within the prostate, Focal One HIFU prevents other resulting side effects, such as erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and irritative voiding symptoms.

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“While not all patients are candidates for the Focal One HIFU therapy, it is an exciting advancement for patients with low volume of cancer who want to avoid more invasive treatments such as surgery and radiation. The recovery period with Focal One HIFU therapy is also generally quicker,” Waleed Hassen, Department Chair of Urology in the Surgical Subspecialties Institute at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, said.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers around the globe, with over 1.41 million cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).