The first patient with prostate cancer was treated in Europe in February 1993 and in the United States in July 1999.

• How many patients with prostate cancer have been treated so far?

More than 13000 as of April 2007.

• What have been the results?

Promising results from the European sites show up to 92% of negative biopsy and stable PSA following Ablatherm treatment in localized prostate cancer. Other results have been published and are listed in our Studies section of this website.
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• What are the risks with this treatment?

Even if this is a non-surgical treatment, there are still a few risks associated with HIFU therapy (most are temporary): immediate post treatment urinary retention (requiring a catheter for a few days), urgency, stress incontinence, urinary infection and decreased sexual functioning.
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• Is the treatment uncomfortable?

Spinal or general anesthesia prevents discomfort during the treatment. There may be some minor discomfort for a short time following the treatment.
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• Will I be able to continue with my normal activities after treatment?

HIFU is one of the less invalidant treatments for prostate cancer today. The low rate of complications and the short recovery time garantee in most of the cases a return to normal activity very soon after the treatment (generally 2 or 3 days). You may have a catheter in place for several days following the Ablatherm treatment. However, you may continue all normal activities once you have discussed them with your physician.

• How often do I have to go back to my doctor?

The usual follow-up consists of a blood test for PSA measurement every three months for the first year following the treatment, then every 6 months. A post-treatment biopsy is generally performed 3 to 6 months after the treatment.

• Where can I get Ablatherm treatment?

To find the closest hospital equipped with an Ablatherm in your country, please contact CLICK HERE.