New Data Highlights Potential for Focused Ultrasound in Prostate Cancer Treatment
A decade-long evaluation has demonstrated promising results for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) as an initial therapeutic approach for localized prostate cancer. Recently published in European Urology, this research presents findings from the United Kingdom HIFU Evaluation and Assessment of Treatment (HEAT) and the International Cryotherapy Evaluation (ICE) registries. These studies assess the long-term effectiveness of focal therapy using either HIFU or cryotherapy.
With over 3,477 patients participating across 14 UK centers, 83% were treated using the Sonablate HIFU technology, while the remainder underwent cryotherapy. Cancer-specific mortality and recurrence rates were primary focal points of the study. After ten years, the cancer-specific mortality rate was notably low at 0.13%. Additionally, the all-cause mortality and metastasis rates were reported at 12% and 3.3%, respectively. Remarkably, one-third of patients required further focal treatments, and 30% eventually received radical treatments.
An essential finding from the study indicated the reduced necessity for hormone therapy among HIFU patients compared to cryotherapy patients, with 13% of HIFU patients requiring androgen-deprivation therapy as opposed to 21% in the cryotherapy group. This points toward HIFU's potential advantage in maintaining quality of life by minimizing the need for systemic therapies.
The authors concluded that focal therapy could be considered a viable frontline treatment for prostate cancer in well-selected patients. They emphasized the need for enhanced patient selection tools and advocated for comparative effectiveness trials to optimize treatment strategies.
Dr. Samuel Peretsman, Chief Medical Officer at Sonablate, emphasized the significance of this research, highlighting that "These long-term outcomes provide important evidence demonstrating the potential of image-guided focused ultrasound to achieve durable cancer control while preserving quality of life." Further, Dr. Naren Sanghvi, Chief Science Officer at Sonablate, reflected on the broader impact of two decades of collaborative efforts in this field, noting that the results transform focal therapy into a validated treatment option that benefits patients globally.
Following the success of the UK HEAT registry, Sonablate has inaugurated the Sona Fusion Global Registry. Launched in May 2026, this international effort aims to broaden the collection of real-world data, strengthen clinical evidence, and further improve patient outcomes worldwide, especially concerning prostate disease management.
Sonablate's HIFU technology received U.S. Food and Drug Administration clearance in 2015 for prostate tissue ablation and is now approved in over 50 countries. This extensive evaluation underscores the potential of HIFU as a leading strategy in prostate cancer management due to its effectiveness and the quality of life benefits for patients.