Nazareth Hospital now offering innovative HIFU procedure to treat prostate cancer

Philadelphia, Pa. — (June 21, 2023) — Nazareth Hospital is pleased to now provide High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), an innovative technology that uses ultrasound waves to treat certain medical conditions, including prostate cancer. HIFU offers reduced side effects compared to traditional cancer treatments and aims to help maintain quality of life for patients after treatment.

Delivered in the OR under general anesthesia, the minimally invasive HIFU outpatient procedure is typically completed within two to four hours. Following a HIFU procedure, patients can expect a recovery time of about two weeks. By comparison, radiation treatment and surgical options can require up to six weeks of recovery time.

“This is a game-changer for our patients with prostate cancer and is the latest example of Nazareth Hospital’s commitment to offering the most-advanced cancer treatment available,” said Francis Schanne, MD, a urologist at Nazareth Hospital. “HIFU presents a win-win situation for our patients, with fewer side effects along with a much quicker recovery time compared to other treatment options.”

Similar to how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight, HIFU uses beams of ultrasound focused on an exact tissue area that requires treatment. The highly focused energy from the ultrasound causes the temperature of the tissue to rise, destroying the targeted tissue area. The ultrasound beams can pass through layers of tissue, such as your skin, leaving them unharmed during treatment.

“Any man who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is a candidate for the HIFU treatment should definitely take advantage of the procedure,” said Barry Squires, who was the first patient to undergo HIFU prostate cancer treatment at Nazareth Hospital earlier this year. Read Squires’ full testimonial.

To schedule an appointment with Schanne, call 215.674.0301.