All news
Experimental therapy shows promise against prostate cancer
April 18, 2012
A new treatment could shrink prostate tumours while minimising the risk of side-effects.
An experimental technique has produced promising results in a recent clinical trial involving men with prostate cancer.
The technique, called high-intensity focused ultrasound (Hifu), is not currently approved for use on the NHS.
It uses sound waves to selectively target tumour sites, thereby reducing the amount of surrounding healthy tissue that is damaged and minimising the risk of side-effects.
A recent clinical trial, funded by the Medical Research Council and published in the Lancet Oncology medical journal, found that 95 per cent of men treated with Hifu remained cancer-free 12 months after treatment.
Furthermore, none of the 41 participants had urinary incontinence and just one in ten had erectile problems - both of which are common side-effects of traditional prostate cancer treatment.
Lead researcher Dr Hashim Ahmed said: "Our results are very encouraging.
"This study provides the proof-of-concept we need to develop a much larger trial to look at whether focal therapy is as effective as the current standard treatment in protecting the health of the men treated for prostate cancer in the medium and long term."
Owen Sharp, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Charity, welcomed the early results, but emphasised that larger studies with longer follow-up periods are needed.
Private Health Insurance News
