Everyone knows that sound waves can create remarkable shockwaves, strong enough to break glass. Today, sound has the potential to destroy tumors and save lives.
A non-invasive technique for cancer treatment known as High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) uses sound waves to deliver targeted treatment, creating heat that can eliminate cancer cells with minimal side effects.
The idea of treating cancer with ultrasound may seem like something out of science fiction. But researchers have made significant strides in developing a unique and effective treatment option. This new technology is similar to modern “rife therapy,” created by Royal Raymond Rife, Jr. a hundred years ago, which uses electromagnetic energy to treat various diseases.
Although Rife hoped the practice wouldn’t be referred to by his name, that’s how this knowledge has been passed down – even a century after his enemies – namely, the pharmaceutical industry, burned his lab and sicced the government on him, ruining his reputation and memory-holing his work.
Both ultrasound and Rife therapy aim to deliver targeted treatment without causing significant harm to surrounding tissues. While Rife therapy remains controversial and lacks widespread acceptance in the medical community outside its world of hobbyists and tinkerers, ultrasound therapy is gaining more attention and interest from researchers and clinicians.
The Radiology Society of North America recently published a press release highlighting the potential of using MRI-guided ultrasound to treat cancer based on a recent paper published in Radiology.
According to experts, conventional treatments, such as radiation therapy or surgery, can offer effective results in eliminating prostate cancer. However, 98% to 100% of men who’ve had surgery, develop incontinence and sexual dysfunction afterward. About 70% don’t recover from their initial erectile dysfunction.
Focal therapy, a class of treatments, presents a distinct alternative for certain patients with an intermediate-risk tumor that hasn’t spread beyond the prostate. This form of therapy may eradicate the cancerous tissue, through either freezing or heating methods.
By targeting a localized area, focal therapy mitigates the risk of adverse effects commonly seen with standard cancer treatments, like radiation therapy or surgical procedures. This makes it a highly beneficial option for a range of different patients.
HIFU is an example of focal therapy that relies on ultrasound waves to generate heat at a targeted point to wipe out the affected tissue. Previously, it was conducted using ultrasound imaging. But, this method proved inadequate for providing a clear visualization of the tumor site, making it difficult to target prostate cancer cells.
To overcome this challenge, a group of experts used a device that provides MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS). The procedure starts with administering general anesthesia and inserting a probe into the rectum. This probe delivers specific-frequency ultrasonic waves directly to the cancer site. The treatment lasts for around 4 hours. The goal of this targeted approach is to minimize the risk of side effects.
Dr. Sangeet Ghai, lead researcher and main author of the study, stated that a combination of HIFU guided under MRI, helps experts to find the exact location of the tumor. This offers patients a more targeted and efficient treatment.
Dr. Ghai and his colleagues from the University Health Network (UHN) and Sinai Health conducted a study to investigate the effectiveness of MRgFUS in treating prostate cancer.
The study involved 44 men with cancer of the prostate. The patients underwent MRgFUS, while experts monitored their outcomes with the help of MRI scans, biopsies, and surveys of urinary and erectile function.
All of the men in the study successfully finished the MRgFUS treatment. By the end of the procedure, patients didn’t report any serious side effects. After a 5-month biopsy, 41 of the 44 men (93%) were free of the disease in the targeted area. Additionally, scores for prostate symptoms and erectile function remained similar at baseline and after the procedure.
According to Dr. Ghai, the outcomes thus far have been extremely favorable, with a smaller treatment area producing similarly positive results. Additionally, the patients maintained their urinary and erectile function. This new treatment approach could offer a more tailored and less invasive option for managing prostate cancer.
While MRgFUS may need extra resources, it provides numerous benefits compared to alternative approaches. The use of MRI technology enables thermal feedback throughout the procedure. This is critical since to destroy cancerous tissue, it’s important to use a temperature that exceeds 60°C. This feature sets MRgFUS apart from other methods and highlights its potential to improve outcomes for patients with prostate cancer.
According to Dr. Ghai, the use of MRI technology provides near-immediate feedback on the temperature achieved at the treatment site. This allows for prompt adjustments to ensure optimal results.
If the temperature is not at the desired level, the physician can easily reapply the high-frequency ultrasonic waves to reach the target temperature. Therefore, this increases the likelihood of successful treatment. Real-time monitoring distinguishes MRgFUS from other methods and makes it a more practical approach.
MRI offers an added advantage. It is able to detect any leftover vascularity in the targeted region. This is a red flag that could indicate the presence of residual cancer.
If approved by the FDA and Health Canada, MRgFUS holds potential as a treatment option for intermediate-risk patients seeking to eliminate their prostate cancer while preserving their quality of life. The number of potential clients is expected to be a substantial portion of men with prostate cancer.
According to Dr. Ghai’s estimates, around 20% to 30% of patients who undergo surgery or radiation therapy for prostate cancer could be candidates for some form of focal therapy, such as MRgFUS.
These recent advancements may give hope to patients. Using sound waves to target and destroy cancer cells may offer promising results, considering the targeted treatment approach and minimal side effect profile.
With the ability to pinpoint and monitor the treatment site using MRI technology, MRgFUS could be a game-changer for prostate cancer patients. Despite the pending approval from regulatory agencies, the future looks bright for those seeking an effective and minimally invasive treatment approach.
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