US-based ultrasound technologies firm SonaCare Medical has reported results from a five-year assessment of its Sonablate technology in providing focal therapy treatment to patients with prostate cancer.

Sonablate is designed to deliver transrectal high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) ablation of prostatic tissue. It has already secured approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

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Conducted in 625 medium to high-risk clinically significant non-metastatic subjects, the multi-centre study of Sonablate involved a five-year follow-up.

“Based on the data, it has been concluded that HIFU can result in failure-free survival equivalent to that of surgery, while having comparatively better beneficial post-procedure side effect profile.”

Findings revealed 99%, 92% and 88% failure-free survival at one, three and five years, respectively. These observations are said to be equivalent to the results achieved with surgery.

In addition, the study demonstrated 100% cancer-specific survival at five years, with metastasis-free and overall survival being 98% and 99%, respectively.

Sonablate is also said to have led to material improvements over surgery and radiation therapy through 98% maintenance of pad-free urinary continence after the procedure and 85% of erectile function.

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Study author Hashim Ahmed said: “Our study shows that cancer control in the medium term is very good and importantly, men can expect a low-risk of side effects such as incontinence and erection problems.

“All men who are suitable for focal HIFU should be told about this treatment option so they might consider it as an alternative to radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy.”

Based on the data, it has been concluded that HIFU can result in failure-free survival equivalent to that of surgery, while having comparatively better beneficial post-procedure side effect profile.

SonaCare Medical CEO Mark Carol said: “Until now, otherwise healthy men with prostate cancer faced the prospect of leaving the hospital after treatment with their cancer treated but with a compromised quality of life.

“This study shows it is possible to achieve whole-gland equivalent cancer control rates without the concomitant side effect profile of whole gland treatments.”