The treatment, named Focal Therapy (Sonablate HIFU System,) which has been performed at the private Beacon Hospital in Dublin, involves the delivery of high intensity focused ultrasound energy (HIFU) to the affected area, which leads to a rapid rise in intracellular temperature.
This results in instant cell death, while preserving surrounding tissue.
A spokeswoman for the hospital said that “unlike invasive surgery and radiotherapy, focal therapy does not impact on or damage surrounding cells, tissues or organs, significantly reducing the risks of erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and rectal toxicity.
“Compared to other treatments, focal therapy also provides patients with the highest chance to preserve ejaculation post-treatment”.
The treatment is minimally invasive and performed under general anaesthesia. HIFU energy is delivered to an affected area of the prostate, externally via an ultrasound probe placed in the rectum.
“Treatment usually involves one session, which last an average of 1.5 – 2 hours. Most patients stay overnight in hospital and are discharged one day after surgery. Recovery is subjective but most patients are expected to be back to work within two weeks post-treatment.”
Mr Mohammud Shakeel Inder, a consultant urological surgeon at Beacon Hospital said: “Prostate cancer is the most prevalent cancer in men in Ireland. One in seven men in Ireland will be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime.
“With around 4,000 men affected yearly, it is important to adapt new technologies that provide better functional outcomes. By providing focal therapy in Ireland for the first time, patients suitable for the treatment can expect less downtime and a better quality of life without debilitating long-term side effects, often associated with prostate cancer treatment. Our first patient is on the road to recovery and a good prognosis is expected.”
Michael Cullen, chief executive of Beacon Hospital, added: “We are proud to announce yet another first-in-Ireland treatment being carried out here at Beacon Hospital. This innovative focal therapy is not only less invasive than traditional methods, but also significantly reduces common side effects and will have a dramatic impact on the lives of our patients. As one of the most technologically advanced private hospitals in Europe, we continue to invest heavily in the latest innovations to provide pioneering world-class medical and surgical care to our patients.”
