MD Anderson at Cooper Now Offering New Non-Invasive, High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Procedure for Prostate Cancer

(CAMDEN, NJ) - MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is among the first health systems in southern New Jersey to offer robotic high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) procedures for patients living with prostate cancer. This innovative treatment uses precisely targeted ultrasound waves to eliminate diseased prostate tissue. By focusing these waves on the affected area, HIFU generates localized heating (ablation) that targets cancer cells within the prostate gland while sparing healthy surrounding tissue.

"We are excited to offer HIFU as a treatment option to certain patients with prostate cancer," said Jeffrey J. Tomaszewski, MD, head of the Division of Urology and director of Genitourinary Oncology at MD Anderson at Cooper. "A recent publication evaluating this approach makes us confident in HIFU as a treatment option, with outcomes that can preserve men's urinary continence and erectile function."

A large, prospective study involving more than 3,000 patients across 46 medical centers found that HIFU provides comparable cancer control to surgery while significantly reducing the risk of side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Because robotic HIFU platforms allow physicians to precisely target only the affected portion of the prostate, many men can receive effective treatment while maintaining quality of life.

The outpatient procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically requires only one treatment session. This non-invasive approach involves no incision, no radiation, and no scarring. Most patients experience minimal disruption to daily activities and a faster return to normal life compared to traditional surgery.

What is HIFU?
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a leading-edge treatment that uses concentrated ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted tissue inside the body without surgery. For prostate cancer, HIFU enables doctors to treat only the affected portion of the prostate while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This approach can reduce the risk of common side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, while providing effective cancer control.

About MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper

MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is South Jersey's leading cancer center. Through our partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center - one of the nation's leading cancer centers - our patients have access to advanced cancer treatments. Our multidisciplinary, patient-centered approach to cancer care combines the expertise of our highly skilled cancer specialists with innovative diagnostic and treatment technologies and groundbreaking clinical trials.

MD Anderson at Cooper takes a disease-site-specific approach to cancer care. Experts from every area of cancer medicine work together to provide each patient with outstanding care from diagnosis to treatment, recovery, and beyond. Patients also have access to our full range of supportive care services throughout their cancer journey. Learn more at MDAndersonCooper.org.

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