Sonablate Introduces HIFU Technology for Prostate Cancer Treatment at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute

Notably, Sonablate HIFU also offers a bloodless, radiation-free, and minimally invasive ablation, leading to considerably shorter recovery periods.

US-based Medtech player, Sonablate has unveiled its latest advanced technology HIFU at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre in Delhi. 

The Sonablate High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology, a minimally invasive robotic device, seeks to revolutionise the landscape of prostate cancer care.

Unlike conventional procedures, the Sonablate HIFU technology offers a tailored procedure, precisely targeting the affected prostate tissue. Further, this technology reduces the risk of collateral damage to surrounding healthy tissues. 

Dr Sudhir Rawal, medical director & chief, GenitoUro-oncology services, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, said, "Our Institute has been utilising this machine since February 2023, and its performance has been consistently smooth. It's a user-friendly device, ensuring minimal discomfort and the least side effects for the patients."

Notably, Sonablate HIFU also offers a bloodless, radiation-free, and minimally invasive ablation, leading to considerably shorter recovery periods.

HIFU Technology’s Global Reach & Impact

Dr Sudhir Rawal further emphasised the broader impact of this technology. According to him, with the rise in early detection of prostate cancer, the prospects for this technology appear to be bright. 

Reportedly, patients from neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, have also benefited from this advanced technology at the Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute.

Recently, Harinder Singh Ratra, an eighty-year-old patient, underwent surgery with HIFU technology led by Dr Sufhir Rawal and his team. The patient after the treatment has observed a quick recovery within a period of a week. Moreover, subsequent MRI scans revealed no signs of disease.

Shedding light, Jay Mehta, director-sales, NovoMed Incorporation Pvt Ltd, called Sonablate HIFU technology a "game changer in the field of prostate care." This advancement is poised to significantly enhance the quality of life for patients dealing with prostate conditions, director Mehta added.

US-based Sonablate Corp., stands as a global leader in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for prostate disease, with over 40,000 patients treated worldwide. The Sonablate device holds approval in over 50 countries, boasting a successful track record spanning nearly two decades in the United Kingdom.

HIFU’s Growing Relevance in Healthcare 

In parallel developments, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital also incorporated HIFU technology, offering advanced treatment options for patients grappling with prostate cancer. 

Dr Yuvaraja TB, head, Robotic Surgery and Consultant in Surgical Oncology, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, lauded HIFU as a non-invasive alternative, particularly ideal for patients with localised prostate cancer.

Furthermore, a significant collaboration has been forged between Purbanchal Cancer Hospital in Jhapa and Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital in New Delhi. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to facilitate the exchange of research, treatment, technology, and facilities for cancer treatment, ultimately making cancer care more reliable and accessible in Nepal.

Also, AstraZeneca Pharma India has entered into a partnership with Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Center to establish a Center of Excellence for subsidised, high-quality Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) molecular panel testing. This initiative focuses on eligible individuals diagnosed with lung cancer in India. Further, the collaboration seeks to increase access to NGS-based testing, facilitating appropriate treatment decisions for lung cancer patients.

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.