If your prostate cancer has returned after radiotherapy, you may be wondering, "What now?" In some cases, external beam radiotherapy does not completely eliminate the cancer, leading to a local recurrence that requires additional treatment, known as “salvage” therapy.
Unfortunately, many salvage treatments come with significant challenges, complications, and side effects. For example, salvage radical prostatectomy can result in severe outcomes, such as:
Urinary incontinence in up to 90% of patients
Complete erectile dysfunction
Increased risk of rectal injury, which may require a temporary colostomy (a bag for stool collection)
Salvage-HIFU
Salvage HIFU: A Safer Alternative
Salvage High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) offers a less invasive, safer option for patients with recurrent prostate cancer after radiotherapy. With Salvage-HIFU, the risks of urinary and rectal complications are significantly lower, and the procedure better preserves your quality of life. This makes it an attractive and effective alternative for treating radiorecurrent prostate cancer.
A Promising Option When Radiotherapy Fails
Repeat-HIFU: A Unique Advantage
Unlike standard prostate cancer treatments such as radical prostatectomy, external beam radiation, or brachytherapy, HIFU can be safely repeated. In cases where cancer returns or the initial treatment is not fully successful, these traditional treatments may not be an option:
Surgery may not be possible if the prostate has already been removed.
Radiation-based treatments cannot be repeated because the area has received the maximum safe dose of radiation.
In contrast, HIFU does not rely on radiation and can be performed again, if necessary, without compromising safety. Additionally, Repeat-HIFU procedures typically do not lead to significant declines in urinary or erectile function, allowing patients to maintain their quality of life even after additional treatments.
These innovative uses of HIFU highlight its versatility and potential to provide effective,
patient-focused care for prostate cancer, even in complex cases.
If you’d like to learn more about Salvage- or Repeat-HIFU, we’re here to help guide you through your options.
Terapia Focal da Próstata
Revolutionizing prostate cancer treatment with precision.
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