A Phase I clinical trial at the IU School of Medicine investigates the efficiency and safety of using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer. The minimally invasive procedure combines the latest in 3-D technology to plot the location of cancerous cells and then fires ultra-focused sound waves to destroy them.
The IU School of Medicine one of two trial sites in the nation approved by the Food and Drug Administration late last year, the other being Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio.
HIFU elevates tissue temperatures 70- to-90 degrees Centigrade (158-194 degrees Fahrenheit) in durations of up to four seconds, killing the cancer without damaging tissue surrounding the prostate, the small walnut-sized gland found at the base of the bladder.
"This minimally invasive surgical procedure is painless, bloodless and the energy from the ultrasound waves is non-ionizing and can be applied repeatedly," says Michael Koch, M.D., principal investigator of the trial and chairman of the school's Department of Urology. "We are enrolling 20 patients for this trial phase."
For more information about enrolling in HIFU trial, call 317-630-6044.
Among criteria for patients participating in the trial they must between 40 and 80 years old, have confined prostate cancer, no bleeding disorder and a prostate specific antigen level of 10 or less. PSA is a biological marker used in the early detection of prostate cancer. Patients who have failed previous external radiation for prostate cancer are also potential candidates.
The HIFU outpatient procedure can usually be completed within three hours, and the patient can go home after the anesthetic wears off. For cancer that is confined
'"/>
Contact: Joe Stuteville
jstutevi@iupui.edu
317-274-7722
Indiana University
4-Feb-2002