VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in Richmond offers new non-surgical robotic for prostate cancer
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in Richmond is the first site in Virginia to offer a new non-surgical robotic ultrasound procedure for prostate cancer, according to officials.
The VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center in Richmond now offers a form of noninvasive robotic ultrasound treatment for early to intermediate-stage prostate cancer patients.
According to the center, the technology -- called High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) -- harnesses high-intensity ultrasound waves to target cancerous prostate tissue, without any invasive surgery or radiation.
The High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology at VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. (Photo courtesy: VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Officials said HIFU initiates localized heating to destroy the tumor cells within the prostate gland without harming the surrounding healthy tissue by using real-time imaging to focus the waves on the affected area.
HIFU reportedly works in the same way as rays of sunlight that pass through a magnifying glass and are concentrated at a single point, equally causing a significant temperature to rise around the focal point.
“We are excited to offer HIFU as an ideal treatment option for many patients suffering from prostate cancer,” said Alexander Kenigsberg, M.D., director of urologic oncology at Massey and VCU Health. “Our patients’ wellness and quality of life beyond their treatment is paramount, and this same-day non-invasive outpatient procedure offers precision treatment for cancer while minimizing side effects.”
According to the center, in a large study of more than 3,000 patients at 46 cancer centers, HIFU was proven to treat prostate tumors as effectively as radical prostatectomy, while significantly reducing any negative impact on functional outcomes, including those related to urinary continence and erectile function.
Officials said the procedure takes about an hour, saves the patient from surgery or any cuts on their body and allows them to return home on the same day.
After the procedure, a patient will need to wear a catheter for about five days. According to the center, it is a repeatable procedure if needed, but only about 25% of patients require a second treatment and the vast majority of patients can avoid prostate removal or radiation.
Typical follow-up care after the HIFU procedure will include PSA testing -- a test that measures prostate-specific antigen in the blood -- at three months, six months and a year, as well as an MRI and potential additional biopsies at one year to evaluate the results, according to officials.
The center said Massey is the only institution between North Carolina and Philadelphia to offer this multidisciplinary treatment option using the cutting-edge Focal One Robotic HIFU platform.
Robotic HIFU is available at Massey’s location in downtown Richmond. For more information about this treatment option for early to intermediate-stage prostate cancer, visit the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center's website or call 804-828-7999.
