[HIFU in urological oncology]

Area of Science:

• Oncological therapies
• Medical physics
• Urological treatments

Background:

• High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is emerging as a significant noninvasive therapeutic modality.
• Its application in urological oncology includes transrectal treatment for prostate cancer and extracorporeal treatment for kidney cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current applications and efficacy of HIFU in urological oncology.
• To highlight the established use of HIFU in prostate cancer treatment and its developing role in kidney cancer.

Main Methods:

• Review of monocentric, prospective clinical studies on HIFU for prostate cancer.
• Analysis of published results from different HIFU devices used in clinical practice.

Main Results:

• HIFU is utilized in daily European practice for prostate cancer treatment.
• Published results indicate HIFU is effective for well-differentiated and moderately differentiated prostate tumors, and local recurrence post-radiation.
• Two distinct transrectal HIFU devices exist with differing technologies, applications, outcomes, and side effects.
• Early results for HIFU in locally recurrent or advanced/metastatic disease show promise in reducing morbidity and delaying progression.

Conclusions:

• HIFU is a valuable treatment option for specific prostate cancer indications.
• Further clinical feasibility studies are needed for kidney cancer applications.
• Ongoing research explores HIFU's potential in managing locally advanced and recurrent urological malignancies.