HIFU - High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound is the newest treatment for prostate cancer. Proven highly effective in Europe, and in use overseas for around 15 years, but has yet to be FDA approved here. So, a handful of U.S. doctors are bypassing the FDA by performing the procedure in other countries, such as Mexico and the Dominican Republic. Canadian doctors are able to perform the procedure because Canada (like some other countries) recognize European clinical trials, whereas the U.S. does not.
How it works - it's a relatively non-invasive procedure that is takes 1-4 hours and uses focused ultra-sound to heat the tumor to 185ºF. Success rates depend on a variety of factors, incl. which stage it's at, but some are quoted as being as high as 90%. And, in some cases a followup treatment is required. There are a variety of possible side effects, incl. complete loss of sexual function.
The main doctors in North America who are HIFU leaders and performing this procedure:
Dr. Lazar of SF Bay Area, uses the Sonoblate 500
http://www.californiahifu.comDr. Scionti, formerly of Hilton Head, SC and currently in Boston. Work is performed in Puerto Vallarta and uses the Sonoblate 500
http://www.drscionti.comDr. Suarez of Miami Fl - has clinics in S.A., Canada, Mexico, Dominican Rep, Africa and uses Sonoblate 500
http://drgeorgesuarez.comDr. Orovan of Toronto Canada, at Canada Maple Leaf HIFU. Uses Albatherm machine.
http://www.hifu.caThe Albatherm is more invasive than the Sonoblate 500, there are arguments for each method being better. Dr. Scionti used to use the Albatherm but switched to Sonoblate.
Cost runs $20,000 - $30,000 and some insurance will cover it.
http://www.hifu.ca has a list of insurance companies that have been known to reimburse patients for the expense.
Of course, nothing is a 100% guarantee when it comes to cancer, but considering it's typically a one-time procedure and is outpatient... And, if doesnt work there's always the more traditional methods of treatment to fall back on.
For those who have had radiation treatment and had their prostate cancer return, there are currently clinical trials in the U.S. (which would be free) for using the Sonoblate to treat the recurrence.
http://clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT00772317
Posting this because I believe patients should be aware of all of their options. Not all patients are candidates for the treatment, it depends on a variety of factors incl. what stage the cancer is in. And, of course do your own research into this.
disclaimer: this post is for informational purposes only and not intended as any sort of endorsement of the procedure, nor of any guarantee of success of the treatment.