In Spain, patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer now have a new, non-invasive treatment option that preserves sexual and urinary function: Sonablate HIFU focal therapy. This therapeutic strategy, based on the use of various energy sources, is especially suitable for young men with an active sex life, elderly patients, and those who have received radiotherapy and present a recurrence of the tumor.
Proper patient selection is key to the success of this treatment, and the Advanced Urological Surgery Institute (ICUA) has extensive experience in staging and case selection. According to Dr. Fernando Gómez Sancha, head of
the Urology Service at ICUA, “This intervention significantly reduces the side effects of prostatectomy, a surgery that can impact the patient's quality of life by increasing the risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction. This has led
many patients with low or intermediate-risk tumors to rule out radical surgery.”
Active surveillance remains the first option for low-risk tumors and a valid alternative for selected intermediate-risk cases. It consists of periodic follow-up based on the measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), digital rectal exam, magnetic resonance imaging, and prostate biopsies.
On the other hand, focal therapy offers intermediate-risk patients and some with low-risk tumors an alternative therapeutic option. According to a study published in Prostate Cancer and Prostatic Diseases, this therapy improves mid-term oncological outcomes without compromising urinary and sexual function, which return to pre-treatment levels within 3 to 6 months. Another study published in European Urology supports the efficacy of treating only the affected areas within the prostate, avoiding the side effects of radical treatments. “With focal therapy, we offer a new option to our patients and, moreover, a safer one in line with ICUA’s quality commitment,” adds Dr. Gómez Sancha.
According to the Cancer Figures 2025 report from the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM), prostate cancer will be the most diagnosed cancer in men in 2025, with 32,188 new cases, which means 1 in 8 men. The majority of diagnoses will occur in those over 65 years old, and the disease will remain the third leading cause of cancer death in men.
The Sonablate® HIFU technique is a non-invasive procedure that uses a transrectal transducer to direct focused ultrasonic energy, generating controlled hyperthermia. “The system measures the dimensions of the prostate with ultrasound and emits a beam of energy that is precisely directed to the area to be treated,” explains Dr. Gómez Sancha.
The procedure, guided by an automated and robotic system, allows treatment of the prostate in three ways: radical (treats the entire prostate gland); partial (treats only part of the prostate); and focal (treats only the area affected by the tumor, with a safety margin). According to Dr. Gómez Sancha, “The fusion of magnetic resonance imaging, biopsy, and real-time ultrasound allows precise identification of the area to be treated, minimizing the side effects of conventional treatments.”
The treatment is performed under local or general anesthesia, with a duration of 1.5 to 2.5 hours, depending on the prostate volume treated. It is a virtually painless procedure, with rapid recovery, allowing for discharge within 24 to 48 hours. It is indicated for elderly patients, those who are reluctant to undergo radical surgery, or those with tumor recurrence after radiotherapy.
ICUA will have the participation of Dr. Rafael Sánchez-Salas, an international expert in prostate ablation with HIFU and IRE, who will perform interventions at the center once a month.
Dr. Sánchez-Salas is an associate professor at McGill University and carries out his clinical activity in the Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, at MUHC Glen Hospital (Montreal, Canada). He is the President of the Focal Therapy Society, Director of Scientific Activities on the Executive Committee of the Latin American Urology Confederation (CAU), and Treasurer of the International Society of Urology (SIU). He is also part of the Editorial Board of European Urology Focus, The Journal of Endourology Part B, Videourology, and Actas Españolas de Urología, and is a reviewer for the main scientific journals in urology and oncology. His scientific production includes more than 300 indexed articles.
Focal therapy represents a significant advance in prostate cancer treatment, offering intermediate-risk patients an effective, safe, and less invasive option, with a lower impact on their quality of life. Thanks to the experience of the ICUA team and the involvement of Dr. Rafael Sánchez-Salas, patients in Spain will be able to access this cutting-edge treatment with the highest standards of precision and safety.
About Sonablate
Sonablate Corp. is a world leader in non-invasive, focused ultrasound technologies, and it is committed to developing medical devices that support precise and innovative procedures for the treatment of a range of medical conditions. For prostate tissue ablation, Sonablate Corp. currently designs and manufactures the Sonablate® HIFU device, which has 510(K) clearance in the U.S, NMPA clearance in China, and CE Marking in the EU, and which has obtained regulatory authorization in more than 50 additional countries.
About the Advanced Urological Surgery Institute
The Advanced Urological Surgery Institute (ICUA) is present in five Spanish hospitals: Clínica CEMTRO, Vithas La Milagrosa, Hospital San Juan Grande de Jerez, Viamed Bahía de Cádiz, and Hospital Metropolitano de Jaén. ICUA has been a pioneer in introducing numerous techniques in Spain: Green Laser, Cryosurgery, HIFU, Prostate Mapping, and Microultrasonography.
More information: www.icua.es
For more information Carlos Mateos / Guiomar López. COM Salud. Tel.: 91 773 14 22 / 675 98 77 23
Sonablate® HIFU is approved in more than 50 countries worldwide and was the first focused ultrasound device to be FDA-cleared in the U.S. for the ablation of prostate tissue. This innovative solution for prostate diseases has allowed Sonablate® HIFU to become the industry leader in focal therapy. Caution: Federal (USA) law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
Sonablate is a registered trademark of Sonablate Corp. © 2024 Sonablate Corp. All rights reserved.
