Mark Emberton is involved in a clinical study at University College Hospital, London, looking at the possibility of treating one side of the prostate only (hemi-ablation). It has to be proven that the cancer is only on one side of the gland by special prostate biopsies being undertaken. Patients are closely followed up to ensure that the cancer is treated successfully. It is expected that side effects such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence will be reduced with this type of treatment.
Mark Emberton is also involved in a clinical study using focal ablation for early prostate cancer. This involves treating only the cancerous tumours within the prostate, whilst treating a minimum of healthy tissue. Men are closely followed up to confirm the cancer has been successfully treated. Men should expereince little or no side-effects with this type of treatment.
In Oxford a trial is being carried out involving the use of HIFU to treat men who have had failed radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
All of the above treatments are available privately. More information about HIFU is available in our Care and Advice section here.