Robotic HIFU technology
VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center remains a leader in innovative technologies to treat early- to intermediate-stage prostate cancer. From noninvasive procedures, to being recognized as high performing for prostate cancer surgery by U.S. News & World Report in 2024, Massey offers advanced treatment options with the patient in mind.
VCU Massey prostate clinical care team pictured during a hands-on HIFU training session. This non-surgical technology focuses high-intensity ultrasound waves on the affected prostate tissue only, leaving healthy tissue unharmed. Massey is one of the first along the Atlantic Coast to offer the cutting-edge Focal One Robotic HIFU technology.
Robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) harnesses high-intensity ultrasound waves to target cancerous prostate tissue, without any invasive surgery or radiation. HIFU is the ideal treatment tool to treat just the diseased part of the prostate without harming surrounding healthy tissue.
Focused ultrasound works in the same way as rays of sunlight that pass through a magnifying glass and are concentrated at a single point, equally causing a significant temperature to rise around the focal point.
Advantages of HIFU treatment at Massey
Robotic HIFU is a low-risk and personalized outpatient procedure for prostate cancer patients that takes approximately one hour under general anesthesia, allowing patients to return home on the same day.
- Non-invasive procedure - no blade, no scar, no radiation or incision; repeatable procedure
- Minimal side effects - such as incontinence; erectile functions return in under one year
- Quality of life preservation - minimal time away from work and leisure activities
- Multidisciplinary approach - different clinical care teams at Massey work together to inform pre- and post-treatment plans
The whole prostate is scanned by the transrectal ultrasound imaging probe and displayed on the HIFU screen as a three-dimensional reconstruction of the area to be treated. On the screen, the urologist plans each step of the procedure, precisely targeting the treatment area.
Finally, the system automatically determines the optimal number of lesions based on the planning and produces HIFU waves to destroy the targeted cells.
At the end of the procedure, a temporary catheter will be worn for about five days in order to limit the risk of urinary retention due to the temporary swelling. You will be discharged and can return home rapidly after the end of the procedure. The catheter will be removed at the first follow-up visit just a few days later.
Typical follow-up will include PSA testing at three months, six months, and one year, as well as an MRI image and potentially follow-up biopsies at one year to evaluate the result. This follow-up can be performed by the treating urologist, or if you traveled from a remote location, your local urologist.
