About Ablatherm ® HIFU
Ablatherm High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (Ablatherm HIFU) is the use of ultrasound waves that are focused with extreme precision and that effectively destroys the targeted cancer cells. At lower amounts of energy, ultrasound waves are routinely used to image an unborn child in a mother’s womb or to dissolve kidney stones. Ablatherm HIFU allows the physician to destroy the prostate tissue without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. The prostate cancer treatment may take 11/2 to 3 hours depending on the size of the prostate. Spinal anesthesia and a light sedative are used. Patients usually are up and walking within hours after treatment. An overnight hospital stay is required. Treatment is repeatable. Back to Top
Ablatherm ® HIFU Used Worldwide
Ablatherm HIFU is regarded as being among the world’s top therapeutic solutions for prostate cancer. The first treatment was performed in 1993 and given market approval for Europe in 2000. Over 17,500 treatments have been performed with this revolutionary technology in 23 countries in 210 medical centers. The safety and efficacy has been documented in many clinical publications worldwide. http://www.edap-hifu.com/eng/physicians/hifu/7_published.htm Back to Top
How Successful is Ablatherm ® HIFU ?
 Clinical studies show that 80-93% of patients are cancer free. The Department of Urology, University of Regensburg, St. Josef Hospital, Regensburg, Germany reported on their 5-year results that 93.4% of patients had negative biopsies. Successful results have been reported by many prestigious European University Hospitals on several large series of patients. Moreover, Ablatherm HIFU has fewer side effects than other traditional treatments as it involves neither surgery nor radiation and therefore can preserve your quality of life. Back to Top
Ablatherm ® HIFU as a Salvage Therapy Ablatherm HIFU also provides hope for patients whose cancer has returned after other therapies failed. A study published in European Oncological Disease concluded that treatment with Ablatherm HIFU allowed local tumor control in 84% of the patients treated for prostate cancer recurrence after radiation. Previously, some patients had no alternative, no possibility of curing their cancer. Today, Ablatherm HIFU offers a new prostate cancer treatment option. Back to Top
Fewer Side Effects Ablatherm HIFU causes temporary swelling of the prostate which may reduce urine stream. Because there is no radiation, you can let your grandchild sit on your lap. No surgery means rapid recovery. Back to Top
Less Risk of Impotence and Incontinence 
Physicians can identify blood flow around nerve bundles responsible for preserving potency. If a nerve sparing approach is taken using Ablatherm HIFU, greater than 85% of patients will have normal erections which is a better outcome than other treatment options. Urinary incontinence is classified as Grade 1, 2 or 3, with Grade 1 being minimal up to Grade 3 which is severe or complete incontinence. After Ablatherm HIFU, Grade 1 occurs in less than 5% of cases. Grades 2 & 3 occurs in less than 1% of cases where Ablatherm HIFU is performed as a primary treatment. After failed radiation therapy, up to 8% of patients will have Grade 3 incontinence following salvage therapy with Ablatherm HIFU. These rates are considerably better than for other treatments options including surgery, radiation, or cryotheraphy. Back to Top
Published Articles and Abstracts The safety and efficacy has been documented in many worldwide publications. Click on the following link for Articles and Abstracts.
http://www.edap-hifu.com/eng/physicians/hifu/7_published.htm Back to Top
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I consider medical treatment outside the United States? Over the years and for a variety of reasons, hundreds of thousands of Americans have traveled outside the US for medical treatment. Men diagnosed with prostate cancer are seeking advanced technology that is not yet available in the US.
Do I need immunization or vaccine shots? No.
Will I need a passport? Yes. If you do not have a passport, we can help you get one. . How can I communicate with a physician from another country? We will facilitate the communications and the initial consultation with the physicians at the University Hospital. The Urologists are fluent in English. We will arrange the proper transfer of your medical records. We will facilitate telephone conferences between you, your treating US physician, and the Urological specialists.
What is considered a safe PSA level?
Previously, a PSA level below 4.0 ng/ml was generally considered safe. Now, new reports suggest that there is no safe PSA level and that prostate cancer can exist in men with values significantly less than 4.0 ng/ml. What is important is the rate of increase of PSA year after year.
' How do I know that I will receive excellent care? The University of Regensburg, St. Josef Hospital is a state-of-the-art medical center with highly advanced medical equipment. The urological team is among the best in the world. Prior to contracting with the University Hospital, we visited with the administration, medical staff and inspected the facilities to ensure that it met with our high standards. We will provide you with information on the medical center, physicians and Ablatherm HIFU. You will have enough information so that you can make the most informed decision possible.
How will I get from the airport to the hospital or hotel? You will be picked up at the airport and driven by private car to the hotel. All your transportation needs will be arranged for your entire visit.
Can I bring my wife or a travel companion? Yes. As a matter of fact, we recommend that you do travel with someone. How often do you get a chance to share in the sights and entertainment of beautiful Regensburg, Germany? We would be pleased to arrange a vacation package for you and your travel companion. How many days will I have to stay in the University Hospital ? Patients who have traveled from another country are required to stay overnight. Local patients can be treated on an outpatient basis.
How long will the Ablatherm HIFU treatment take ?
The treatment may take 1 1/2 to 3 hours depending on the size of the prostate.
Will taking blood thinners or other medications prevent me from using the treatment ? Not necessarily. Each patient's case will be reviewed specifically for possible contra-indications.
What are the success rates for Ablatherm HIFU ?
Published clinical studies show that 80% - 93% of patients have negative biopsies after treatment. The Department of Urology, University of Regensburg, St. Josef Hospital, Regensburg, Germany reported that on their 5-year results show that 93.4% of patients had negative biopsies after a follow-up of two years.
What are the rates of urinary incontinence using Ablatherm HIFU ?
The rates of incontinence are very low. Urinary incontinence is classified as Grade 1, 2 or 3, with Grade 1 being minimal up to Grade 3 which is severe or complete incontinence. After Ablatherm HIFU, Grade 1 incontinence occurs in less than 5% of cases. Grades 2 & 3 occurs in less than 1% of cases where Ablatherm HIFU is performed as a primary treatment for prostate cancer. Up to 8% of patients will have Grade 3 incontinence following Ablatherm® HIFU (as a Salvage Therapy) after failed radiation therapy.
What are the rates of impotence?
Using Ablatherm HIFU, physicians can identify the blood flow around the nerve bundles responsible for preserving potency. When a nerve sparing approach is taken using Ablatherm HIFU, greater than 85% of patients will have normal erections after treatment which is better than most traditional treatment options.
What is a TURP and will I need this procedure prior to Ablatherm HIFU?
A TURP (transurethral resection of the prostate) is a surgical (or laser) shaving of the prostate to increase the flow of urine and reduce the size of the prostate. A TURP allows the whole prostate (up to a size of 45cc) to be treated in a single visit and reduces the time that a patient is required to have a catheter after the Ablatherm HIFU treatment. Usually a patient will wear a catheter for 7-10 days. Prostate size and how narrow the urethra will determine if a patient needs a TURP.
Why do approximately 10% of Ablatherm HIFU treatments require repeat treatment?
All medical treatments, including surgery, radiation, or Ablatherm® HIFU, have a recurrence rate. The impotency rate is lower when Ablatherm® HIFU is used as a nerve sparing procedure but an increase in the re-treatment rate can occur. A major benefit of Ablatherm® HIFU is that it does keep your options open. If cancer recurs, Ablatherm® HIFU can be repeated or a patient can have radiation or surgery. But, surgery or radiation can not be repeated.
Is Ablatherm HIFU experimental?
In 1993, the first patient was treated by Ablatherm HIFU. In 2000, the European Union had determined Ablatherm HIFU to be safe and effective followed by many other countries. Today, more than 17,500 treatments have been performed worldwide and the results have been published in well known medical journals.
Why am I unable to have this treatment done in the United States?
Currently, Ablatherm HIFU is in clinical trials by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA requires that clinical trials be performed in the US. After many years of research and development, Ablatherm HIFU was approved in the European Union in 2000.
Will my insurance cover the cost?
The cost of the Ablatherm HIFU treatment must be paid by the patient. We will help you with your insurance company or employee benefits department. Some self-insured companies cover the treatment cost. Contact us for further information.
What's the cost?
The cost depends on the individually customized medical travel package. We can be reached at (631) 870-3929 for further information.
Why are healthcare costs significantly lower in European countries? One reason, US hospitals and physicians are required to pay extremely high medical malpractice insurance. US physicians are usually charged over $100,000 per year. However, European physicians are typically charged only a few thousand dollars per year. Who makes the Ablatherm HIFU unit?
The Ablatherm HIFU unit is manufactured by EDAP and the company is based in Lyon, France. EDAP's commitment to research & development and its distribution network reinforces its leadership position in High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. EDAP manufactures and distributes minimally invasive medical devices mostly for the treatment of urological diseases. Back to Top
VideosBack to Top
Ablatherm® HIFU PowerPoint Presentation
 Click here to access the Ablatherm® HIFU PowerPoint presentation. The file size is 9MB Click here to access the Ablatherm® HIFU Results PowerPoint presentation. (3MB) Back to Top |
