HIFU Focal One® for prostate cancer treatment

Prostate Cancer Treatment with HIFU – Focal One

At the Prostate Institute, we offer Focal One®—the most advanced form of HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) for the treatment of prostate cancer.

This is a focal, highly precise therapy that targets only the tumour area when the disease is localised, preserving the rest of the prostate tissue.

It has very specific indications (not suitable for all patients):

Primary treatment: when the tumour is at an early stage, less aggressive, and confined to the prostate.
Treatment of local recurrence after other therapies such as external radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or cryotherapy.

By treating only the tumour area, HIFU helps to avoid many of the side effects often associated with other prostate cancer treatments, namely issues with continence, worsening urinary symptoms, and changes in erection and ejaculation.

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Advantages of HIFU Focal One® in the treatment of localised prostate cancer

HIFU – Focal One® is another therapeutic option available at the Prostate Institute for the treatment of prostate cancer. It is indicated for potentially serious cases when treated in a timely and appropriate manner.

It stands out as an effective, precise, and minimally invasive treatment, designed to preserve the patient’s quality of life as much as possible.

Preserves quality of life

Performed without incisions, without radiation, and without blood loss.
Focal procedure: only the diseased area is treated, preserving healthy tissue.
Fast recovery, with discharge on the same day or within 24 hours.

Fewer side effects

96% of patients maintain urinary continence (no need for pads).
74% preserve sexual potency after treatment.
Avoids common complications of other treatments, such as worsening urinary symptoms, incontinence, or changes in ejaculation.

No radiation, no surgery

Can be safely repeated in cases of persistence or recurrence of the tumour.
A safe option for patients with comorbidities for whom surgery is not recommended.

How prostate cancer is treated with HIFU Focal One®

HIFU treatment is performed in the operating theatre, under general or spinal anaesthesia.
It typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the volume treated.

Step 1: Planning

Based on real-time ultrasound and the MRI scan previously carried out, the urologist uses the HIFUsion® software to define in 3D the area to be treated and the structures to be preserved. Only the tumour area is marked, sparing healthy tissue.

Step 2: Probe positioning

A transrectal probe is inserted that emits high-intensity ultrasound. The robotic arm of Focal One® positions it with sub-millimetre precision to ensure the exact application of energy.

Step 3: Tumour ablation

The ultrasound waves focus exclusively on the defined area, reaching temperatures of 85–95 °C, selectively destroying cancer cells. Throughout the procedure, safety systems continuously monitor the rectal wall and the patient’s movements.

Step 4: Completion

At the end, a temporary urinary catheter is placed to facilitate urination during the first few days, due to natural prostate swelling. Most patients are discharged the same day or within 24 hours and quickly return to their usual activities.

Clinical results

Patients were free of clinically significant tumour in the treated area after 1 year.

Did not require further treatment within 30 months after HIFU.

Treatment-free survival at 5 years (low-risk tumours).

Treatment-free survival at 7 years (low-risk tumours).

Want to know more about HIFU Focal One® for Prostate Cancer?

HIFU Focal One® is the most advanced form of focal ultrasound treatment, capable of destroying only the tumour area of the prostate with millimetre precision. It is more than technological innovation: it is an effective treatment that preserves men’s quality of life.

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Post-treatment

Recovery after HIFU is generally quick and well tolerated:

Hospital discharge: on the same day or the following day.
Urinary catheter: remains in place for an average of 3–7 days, to prevent urinary retention.
Return to normal life: within a few days, with restriction only of strenuous activity during the first weeks.
Temporary symptoms: urinary urgency or weaker flow may occur, but usually improve quickly.
Follow-up:
- PSA test every 3 months during the first year.
- MRI or control biopsy at 6–12 months.

Dr. José Santos Dias

Clinical Director of the Instituto da Próstata

Bacherlor's Degree from the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Lisbon
Specialist in Urology
Fellow of the European Board of Urology
Autor dos livros "Tudo o que sempre quis saber Sobre Próstata", "Urologia fundamental na Prática Clínica", "Urologia em 10 minutos","Casos Clínicos de Urologia" e "Protocolos de Urgência em Urologia"

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