HIFU Therapy for Recurrent Prostate Cancer

NYU Urology Associates is conducting a clinical trial for men with recurrent prostate cancer after failed radiation therapy, using the investigational therapy high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

Every year, over 40,000 men with prostate cancer who are treated with radiation have their cancers return. The majority of these men must choose hormonal therapy in an attempt to control their cancer. Hormonal therapy prohibits the production of testosterone in order to slow down the cancer's growth. However, lowering of testosterone may cause side effects such as osteoporosis, increased risk of heart attack, stroke, loss of libido, depression, loss of mental acuity and impotence.

HIFU is radiation free and destroys residual cancer in the prostate using clean ultrasound energy. During the outpatient treatment, the prostate is targeted with precise sound energy, which heats the cells up to 100 degrees Celsius in seconds, causing the cells to die. In a small U.S. safety trial, 91% of the participants had a negative biopsy 6 months after the HIFU treatment.

If you have recurrent prostate cancer after radiation treatment, or if you have been on hormones to control your prostate cancer after radiation, you may qualify for the is trial.

There is no cost for this trial, nor does it require health insurance.

For further information, please click here to request information by e-mail. You may also call the Office of Clinical Trials at NYU Urology Associates directly at 212-825-6328. A member of our research staff will respond to your inquiry within 2 business days.