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Patient-Reported Outcomes on Quality of Life and Psychological Distress After Focal High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound
Toni Franz1, Cornelia Hartung2, Roman Ganzer3
1Department of Urology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstraße 20, Leipzig, Saxony, 04103, Germany, 49 03419717694.
JMIR Cancer
|June 15, 2026
Summary
Focal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer preserves quality of life. Early side effects are temporary, with full recovery within three months, supporting HIFU as a minimally invasive option.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Urology
- Medical Technology
Background:
- Focal high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is an emerging, tissue-preserving treatment for localized prostate cancer (PCa).
- Prospective data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and psychological distress after focal hemiablation are limited.
- Current clinical use of HIFU is increasing, necessitating further evaluation of its long-term impact on patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate longitudinal HRQoL trajectories and psychological outcomes in patients with localized PCa undergoing focal HIFU hemiablation.
- To assess recovery patterns and identify predictors of HRQoL after treatment.
- To compare outcomes with normative populations and interpret clinical relevance.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, multicenter, single-arm longitudinal study (HEMI study) of men with unilateral, organ-confined PCa treated with focal HIFU.
- HRQoL assessed using EORTC QLQ-C30 at baseline and 12 months; psychological distress measured with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.
- Longitudinal changes analyzed using linear mixed-effects models; outcomes compared with normative data.
Main Results:
- Fifty-one patients completed 12-month follow-up; baseline HRQoL was favorable.
- A transient, moderate decline in global health status and functional domains (physical, role, social) was observed at 1 month post-HIFU.
- HRQoL and functional domains recovered to baseline or higher levels by 3 months, with no clinically relevant impairments at 12 months; psychological distress remained below clinical thresholds.
Conclusions:
- Focal HIFU hemiablation preserves long-term HRQoL and psychological well-being in selected PCa patients.
- Early postoperative impairment is temporary, with recovery by 3 months and convergence with normative values.
- Focal HIFU is a minimally invasive, quality-of-life-preserving treatment option for localized prostate cancer.
