Frequently Asked Questions
The information below is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to replace sound professional medical advice and care. All treatment options and potential outcomes and complications should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Prostate Cancer:
1. What is the prostate?
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. A normal, healthy prostate is about the size and shape of a walnut. Its position in the body is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder and semen out through the penis) runs through the center of the prostate. The function of the prostate is to produce some of the seminal fluid that nourishes and carries sperm from the testicles and out of the penis during ejaculation. Because of its position an enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra causing urinary problems.
2. What is prostate cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men, and is the second leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer. The ACS estimates that over 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer were diagnosed in the United States in 2010 and that almost 30,000 men die from the disease. Prostate cancer is typically slow growing and if caught in early stages, when it is still confined to the prostate, there are several different treatment options to choose from.
3. Where does prostate cancer spread?
As the prostate grows, the cancer may spread through the prostate, the prostate capsule and the fat that surround the prostate. It can also grow into the base of the bladder and into the seminal vesicles which are located adjacent to the prostate. The spread of cancer is known as metastasis. When cancer spreads outside of the capsule it usually goes to either the lymph nodes or to the bones.
4. What options do I have for treating prostate cancer?
There are a number of different options for how prostate cancer can be treated; each has its own risks and benefits. Patients should discuss all possible treatment options with their physician and pursue multiple professional opinions to decide which option is right.
5. Why are regular prostate checkups important?
Early prostate cancer has very few symptoms, so it can only be found through routine screening. As men get older, especially over the age of 40 or 50, it is very important to be tested and to identify any abnormalities. Not all prostate problems are cancer, but prostate cancer is the most serious problem. Some prostate cancers are small and/or slow and do not progress beyond the prostate gland. Some are more aggressive and advanced. Treatment is more successful if it is begun when the cancer is still small and has not spread beyond the prostate gland.
Sonablate HIFU:
1. What is the history of HIFU and how long has it been done?
Research on HIFU began in the 1950s at Indiana University (IU). In 1994, the first human prostate cancer study was done by Drs. Marberger and Madersbacher at the University of Vienna in Austria using the Sonablate® 200, treating 29 human prostates in vivo shortly before performing a radical prostatectomy. The goal was to see if the energy delivered was enough to destroy the desired tissue. The study found that treatment could be performed safely and could be repeated. In 1995, a study done at IU showed that the whole prostate could be treated without damaging the prostate capsule or the rectal wall. In 1999, Dr. Toyaki Uchida began treating patients using the Sonablate® 200. In 2001, the Sonablate® 500 received CE mark from Europe and the initial clinical study was started at IU by Dr. M. Koch. In 2004, US HIFU (parent company of International HIFU) was established as the distributor of the Sonablate for North & South America and since then has worked with doctors to make HIFU available outside the US where Sonablate HIFU for localized prostate cancer is available. Currently there are nearly 100 Sonablate HIFU centers worldwide on six continents. Over 400 physicians have trained on the Sonablate worldwide and over 10,000 total procedures have been completed.
2. Where can I find HIFU data and statistics?
Visit our Clinical Data & Research section to download our Sonablate HIFU Clinical Article or click here to view our Prostate Cancer Treatment Comparison Chart.
3. If the entire prostate is treated, does that include the urethra? What happens to the urethra? Is it damaged?
The urethra is derived from a different type of tissue (bladder squamous-type epithelium) rather than prostatic tissue (glandular, fibrotic and muscular). While the urethra is an important anatomical structure, the sphincter and bladder neck are more important in maintaining urinary function. During HIFU, the sphincter and the bladder neck are identified and avoided.
Treatment & Travel:
1. Where can I have the treatment done?
Currently, the Sonablate is available for the treatment of prostate cancer in more than 30 countries. Click here for more information about hospitals and facilities where HIFU is available. The Sonablate® 500 is only approved for investigational use within the U.S. and is being studied for the treatment of prostate cancer in clinical trials in the U.S. The FDA has made no decision as to the safety or efficacy of the Sonablate® 500 for the treatment or prostate cancer.
2. How do I schedule treatment?
For more information about Sonablate HIFU and its availability in countries where it is approved call 1-866-553-1629 or Click here for more details.
3. Is the procedure covered by insurance or Medicare?
International HIFU does not accept insurance or Medicare and does not process insurance claims. Accordingly, International HIFU cannot confirm whether insurance companies or governmental agencies will pre-approve or reimburse patients for Sonablate HIFU. However, patients may be able to receive pre-approval or reimbursement from their insurance companies by filing claims before or after the procedure. Some providers may require an international claims form, International HIFU recommends checking with your provider prior to treatment to determine if pre-approval or reimbursement is available.
4. What information do you need from me prior to treatment?
When you make arrangements for treatment and schedule a date, the HIFU clinical team will send you information about how to prepare for the treatment. To contact them directly call 1-866-553-1629 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
5. When is the next available treatment date?
Check the Treatment Calendar.
6. How long do I have to stay in the treatment location?
It is recommended that you arrive one day prior to your scheduled treatment day. Patients are usually comfortable to travel home within a day or two following treatment. Some patients prefer to arrive several days earlier in order to be comfortable and well rested in the location before treatment. Others stay additional days after having the treatment; travel preferences depend entirely on the individual and vary from patient to patient.
7. May I speak with a HIFU doctor or patient about the procedure and their experience?
Yes. In fact, we encourage it. Call 1-866-553-1629 to arrange a consultation with a HIFU physician or with someone who has already been treated with HIFU.
