What should you know about HIFU for prostate cancer?

High-intensity focused ultrasound, or HIFU, delivers concentrated sound-wave energy through a probe. The energy heats a planned area and damages targeted prostate tissue while the team monitors the treatment. It is a local treatment, so the treatment plan must account for the tumour’s position, size, grade and whether disease is outside the prostate.

HIFU is not appropriate for every person with prostate cancer. Possible effects include urinary difficulty, blood in urine or semen, infection, erectile changes and bowel symptoms. The balance between cancer control and side effects should be discussed alongside alternatives.

Ask how your biopsy, scans, prostate anatomy and urinary function affect eligibility. Discuss whether HIFU would treat the whole gland or a defined focus, how treatment response will be monitored and what happens if cancer remains or returns. Compare the plan with radiotherapy, surgery and other suitable approaches.

After treatment, contact the care team urgently for inability to pass urine, heavy bleeding, fever, worsening pelvic pain or feeling acutely unwell. Difficulty passing urine can require prompt attention because swelling or a blockage may affect bladder drainage.

Am I a suitable candidate, and what is the treatment target? What urinary, sexual or bowel effects should I expect? How will follow-up check the result? What options remain if HIFU is not suitable or the cancer returns?