Summerlin Hospital now offers high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology for prostate cancer patients, and is the first hospital in Nevada to provide this treatment for individuals with prostate cancer.
Physicians Sheldon Freedman, MD, and Michael Verni, MD, have been providing HIFU in the Las Vegas area and participated in a five-year study on HIFU treatment even before its FDA clearance in 2015. The two now work with Summerlin Hospital to provide this quality prostate cancer treatment in a hospital setting.
“Prostate cancer, like any other cancer, is a life-changing diagnosis,” said Dr. Verni. “To be able to provide curative treatment without radically altering [the] patient’s and his family’s quality of life is a very gratifying and game-changing experience.”
“About one of every nine men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, and it’s the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men*,” said Rob Freymuller, CEO and Managing Director of Summerlin Hospital. “Because cancer impacts so many southern Nevada residents, it’s one of the most important service lines we provide, and it’s vital that we have the medical expertise, technology, equipment, employee training and patient and family education to help our patients through a prostate cancer diagnosis, especially since it has a high survival rate when diagnosed and treated early.”
What is HIFU?
HIFU is a minimally invasive procedure that offers reduced side effects compared to traditional cancer treatments to help patients maintain quality of life after treatment. The process eradicates prostate cancer with the precision focusing of soundwaves to a targeted spot. Using the heat created from the interaction between soundwaves and cancerous tissue, HIFU destroys the cancer cells. HIFU is a one-time outpatient procedure, and there is no radiation involved.
Individual results may vary. There are risks associated with any surgical procedure. Talk with your doctor about these risks to find out if minimally invasive surgery is right for you.