Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Introduces HIFU Technology for Prostate Cancer Treatment

The precision of HIFU technology allows preserving surrounding tissues, minimising long-term side effects such as incontinence and impotence, and preserving patients' overall quality of life.

In a notable development, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital has introduced High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology, offering an innovative treatment option for patients dealing with prostate cancer.

HIFU employs high-frequency sound waves in a minimally invasive procedure known as focal ablation, presenting a significant advancement in cancer care.

Speaking on the HIFU technology, Dr Yuvaraja TB, Head of Robotic Surgery and Consultant in Surgical Oncology at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, said, "A non-invasive alternative to traditional cancer treatments, HIFU is ideal for patients with localised prostate cancer. Focal ablation uses extreme temperatures to destroy the cancer tissue, focusing on and targeting only the area of the prostate that contains the cancer lesion. This prevents any damage to normal cells in other parts of the prostate gland. HIFU can also be beneficial for patients looking for salvage treatment after previous interventions such as radiation."

Addressing Prostate Cancer Concerns in India

Prostate cancer has become a growing concern globally, with approximately 1.2 million new cases diagnosed each year and an estimated 375,000 associated deaths, as reported by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Notably, in the 1990s, it held the position of the 8th most common cancer in males; however, by 2015, it had risen to the 3rd most prevalent cancer in India. In 2016 alone, India reported a total of 37,416 cases of prostate cancer, and projections indicate an anticipated increase to over 47,000 cases by the year 2025.

Given the prevalence of prostate cancer among the top ten leading cancers affecting men in India, Kokilaben Hospital's adoption of HIFU is a notable step forward in advancing prostate cancer treatments. Under visionary healthcare leaders, the hospital's commitment to innovation promises that patients diagnosed with prostate cancer have access to evolving treatment options.

Clinical Advantages of HIFU

According to the hospital, HIFU brings several benefits to patients, significantly reducing the risk of complications commonly associated with traditional surgical procedures. Administered under general anaesthesia, HIFU prioritises patient comfort throughout the procedure.

The precision of this technology allows for the preservation of surrounding tissues, minimising long-term side effects and preserving patients' overall quality of life.

Patients undergoing HIFU treatment experience minimal discomfort, with a swift return to their daily routines post-treatment. Notably, HIFU is associated with a lower risk of side effects, such as incontinence and impotence, concerns often linked with other prostate cancer treatment modalities.

Dr Santosh Shetty, CEO and executive director of Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, said, "Our goal is to help our patients fight cancer with the utmost precision through various modalities minimising harm to the body while maximising the efficacy of treatment. HIFU is a game-changer in this regard. It helps us to not only offer one more option for the treatment of cancer, but also enhance our patients' overall treatment experience. It is a matter of pride that Kokilaben Hospital continues to be a pioneer in providing our patients with the most advanced and effective treatments available."

In another development addressing prostate cancer, in November 2023, Redcliffe lab launched a prostate health index test to handle rising prostate cancer cases in India.

The PHI test is a straightforward and cost-effective blood test that aids in the identification of patients who genuinely require a prostate biopsy. It is particularly beneficial for men aged 50 and above with non-suspicious digital rectal examination (DRE) results and a total prostate-specific antigen (PSA) range of 4 to 10 mg/ml.