New treatment for prostate cancer

UK scientists have recently applied a new, highly effective treatment for prostate cancer that has far fewer side effects than current treatments, UK health experts say.

The research has just been published in the journal Lancet Oncology, conducted by scientists at University College in London, under the auspices of the Pharmaceutical Research Council, showing the use of intense ultrasound (HIPU ) to treat prostate cancer can reduce the risk of impotence and uncontrolled urination in patients.

Treatment of prostate cancer with HIPU gives effect
High results and few side effects for patients. (Photo: BBC)

They put a probe near the prostate of 41 patients. This device emits sound waves up to 80 degrees Celsius to burn cancer cells that only have minimal impact on the nerves and surrounding muscles.

Hashim Ahmed, the doctor who conducted the study, said that after 12 months of treatment with this method, most patients do not suffer from impotence and have controlled urination while cancer cells are fine. effective treatment.

Current surgical or radiotherapy treatments require treatment of the entire prostate. This harms the surrounding tissues, even leading to serious side effects such as 'impotence' and uncontrollable urination.

Each year in the UK, up to 37,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. Patients sometimes fall into a dilemma: if they are not cured, they will die and be cured. The disease kills about 10,000 men every year.

Initial successful research promises to provide effective, safe treatment for patients.