High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
Precision ablation using converging ultrasound waves to thermally destroy prostate tumor tissue while preserving healthy surrounding structures.
Sonablate HIFU Advantages
Advanced features that make HIFU a leading choice for focal prostate therapy
Real-Time Ultrasound Feedback
Live thermal monitoring ensures precise energy delivery and complete ablation of target tissue with immediate verification.
Minimally-Invasive, Bloodless
Transrectal approach with no incisions, minimal trauma, and rapid recovery compared to traditional surgery.
Adjustable Energy Dosing
Customize HIFU energy for each treatment zone, optimizing ablation while protecting surrounding structures.
Repeatable Procedure
Can be performed as an outpatient procedure with repeatability if needed, providing flexible treatment options.
Radiation-Free
No ionizing radiation exposure, making it a safer option for eligible patients with fewer long-term risks.
Healthy Tissue Sparing
Focused ultrasound precisely targets cancerous tissue while sparing healthy prostate and surrounding organs.
Minimal Side Effects
Preservation of erectile function and continence in the majority of cases with targeted cancer control.
One Year Outcomes After MRI-Fusion HIFU
Evidence from retrospective clinical audit of 265 consecutive patients treated between 2016-2022
Based on The Focal Therapy Clinic audit data; individual results vary; consult your healthcare provider
Cancer-Free at 1 Year
238/265 patients in clinical remission following single MRI-fusion HIFU treatment
Full Continence
257/265 patients pad-free at one year (7 used pads; 1 required sling)
Erectile Function
257/265 patients maintained function (8 used intracavernosal injections)
Mean PSA Drop
From 6.6 to 2.0 ng/mL (mean reduction 4.62 ng/mL) at one year
MRI-Fusion HIFU Protocol
Patient Selection
- •Multiparametric MRI scanning
- •Targeted and systematic biopsies
- •Multidisciplinary team (MDT) review
- •Expert uroradiologist contouring
Treatment Details
- •Device: Sonablate HIFU system
- •Software: MIM Symphony for MRI-US fusion
- •Margins: 6-10mm around identified lesions
- •Setting: Day-case procedure under general anaesthetic
Gleason Score Distribution
Further Treatment Required (10%)
In-Field Recurrence
13 patients with in-field recurrence, all retreated with repeat focal therapy
Out-of-Field Recurrence
14 patients: 7 radical prostatectomy, 4 radiotherapy + ADT, 3 ADT ± chemotherapy
Focal therapy preserves future treatment options including radical and systemic therapies
Erectile Dysfunction: Substantially Lower Risk
MRI-Fusion HIFU
(requiring interventions beyond oral medication)
Traditional Prostatectomy or Radiotherapy
Clinical Evidence: In carefully selected men with localised prostate cancer assessed by MDT, MRI-guided focal HIFU achieved 90% one-year cancer control with 97% continence and 97% erectile function preservation. Results reflect specialist imaging, MRI-US fusion technology, and delivery by experienced consultants within an MDT framework.
Supporting Evidence
Focal Therapy Clinic Audit (2016-2022): Retrospective clinical audit of 265 consecutive patients treated with MRI-fusion HIFU.
Rokan N, Reddy D. BJUI Compass. 2025;6(2):e70000Multi-Institute 15-Year Experience: Cancer control outcomes following focal therapy using HIFU in 1,379 men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer.
Reddy D, Peters M, Shah TT, et al. Eur Urol. 2022;81(4):407-413NICE Guidance: Focal therapy using high-intensity focused ultrasound for localised prostate cancer (IPG756).
NICE IPG756, April 2023Lancet Oncology Development Study: Focal therapy for localised unifocal and multifocal prostate cancer: a prospective development study.
Ahmed HU, Hindley RG, Dickinson L, et al. Lancet Oncol. 2012;13(6):622-632MRI-US Fusion Platform: HIFU focal therapy for localized prostate cancer with MRI-US fusion platform.
Yee CH, Chiu PK, Teoh JY, et al. Adv Urol. 2021;2021:7157973ProtecT Trial: Fifteen-year outcomes after monitoring, surgery, or radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
Hamdy FC, Donovan JL, Lane JA, et al. N Engl J Med. 2023;388(17):1547-1558Based on retrospective data from specialist focal therapy centres; individual results vary; outcomes depend on patient selection, technique, and centre experience.
Learn From Leading Experts
Mr Tim Dudderidge: How Successful is HIFU?
Mr Raj Nigam: Does Focal Therapy Work?
See the Full Picture
From expert planning to precision delivery—discover how our complete service works, or explore our equipment and technology partnerships.