Focused ultrasound and prostate cancer

Abstract

Focused ultrasound (FUS) has been previously utilized for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. Initially, FUS was performed as a whole-gland treatment and compared with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. However, after overall downward stage migration by a health-screening program using a prostate-specific antigen test, and the development of concepts for conservative or observative strategies such as active surveillance, FUS has evolved from whole gland treatment to focal treatment. This new treatment technique aims to ablate tumors while preserving the normal prostate tissue, to ensure better preservation of urinary and erectile functions. In this article, we review the mechanism and clinical outcomes of the FUS procedure.