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MR-Guided High-Intensity Directional Ultrasound Ablation of Prostate Cancer

  • NEW IMAGING TECHNIQUES (S Rais-Bahrami and K Porter, Section Editors)
  • Published:
Current Urology Reports Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The goal of this paper was to review the novel treatment modality of high-intensity transurethral directional ultrasound for prostate cancer.

Recent Findings

Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with some patients electing for active surveillance and focal therapies instead of definitive treatment with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. Prostate MRI has become a cornerstone of prostate cancer diagnosis, targeted biopsy, and treatment planning. Transurethral high-intensity directional ultrasound allows for MRI-guided ablation of the prostate gland with the ability to contour boundaries and spare critical structures, such as the neurovascular bundle and urinary sphincter. Although results are still emerging, this may offer patients a new option for focal therapy with a favorable side-effect profile.

Summary

High-intensity transurethral directional ultrasound is an emerging treatment modality for both whole-gland and focal ablation with promising early results. Further research is needed to establish safety, tolerability, and long-term oncologic outcomes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 619 19th St S, JT N325, Birmingham, AL, 35249, USA

    Samuel J. Galgano & Soroush Rais-Bahrami

  2. O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Samuel J. Galgano & Soroush Rais-Bahrami

  3. Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA

    Virginia B. Planz & Sandeep Arora

  4. Department of Urology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA

    Soroush Rais-Bahrami

Authors
  1. Samuel J. Galgano
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  2. Virginia B. Planz
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  3. Sandeep Arora
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  4. Soroush Rais-Bahrami
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Correspondence to Samuel J. Galgano.

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Conflict of Interest

SJG and SRB have no relevant disclosures. VP has received an honorarium from Profound Medical for a research study. SA has received travel reimbursement from Profound Medical and research support from Profound Medical and the Radiological Society of North America.

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Galgano, S.J., Planz, V.B., Arora, S. et al. MR-Guided High-Intensity Directional Ultrasound Ablation of Prostate Cancer. Curr Urol Rep 22, 3 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-020-01020-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-020-01020-y

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