Men with localised biopsy proven prostate cancer, who understand the treatment options of robotic/radical prostatectomy, brachytherapy, radiation therapy, or active cancer surveillance, and accept the relatively minor risks of HIFU treatment, are considered suitable for HIFU.
The following are important selection criteria;
- Clinical Stage T1-T2 N0 M0 (localised prostate tumours)
- Gleason score 6 (3+3),7(3+4), 7(4+3), 8(4+4)
- Preferably less than 50% prostate biopsies involved with cancer
- PSA less than 15 ng/ml
- Prostate volume less than 40cc and minimal prostate calcification (measured on transrectal ultrasound scan)
- No underlying prostate obstruction to urine flow. Some men require preliminary TURP to remove part of the prostate prior to HIFU.
- Previous TURP even years ago is ok
- Previous failed external beam radiation therapy is ok, as HIFU suitable for salvage treatment.
- No active disease of the anus/rectum