HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) therapy is a progressive treatment method of high efficacy, based on the destructive action of high-frequency ultrasound on pathological cells. This technique successfully alleviates painful symptoms at any stage of oncological diseases. HIFU therapy for cancer treatment in Israel is even applied in cases of operable tumours, demonstrating the possibility of replacing this procedure with traumatic surgical intervention. The safety of the method is due to the absence of ionizing radiation, which has a negative impact on the patient's body, and the side effects that develop during chemotherapy.
HIFU therapy is effective for various types of oncological pathologies, as well as in ophthalmology, cardiology, and aesthetic medicine. After the procedure in Israeli clinics, significant improvement in patients' well-being is observed in more than 85% of cases. In medical centers in Israel, ultrasound treatment is performed on high-tech equipment of modern models. The method is minimally invasive, painless, and can mostly be performed on an outpatient basis. The Israeli specialists performing the therapy have many years of experience, and their high level of qualification is recognized worldwide. An attractive fact for medical tourists is the reasonable cost of the procedure, which is favorably different from the prices in American and Western European clinics.
In which diseases is HIFU therapy effective
For many years, prostate cancer treatment in Israel using HIFU was the only area of application for the method. However, today the high efficacy of the method has been proven in other, not only oncological, diseases. HIFU therapy shows good results when used in the following areas of medicine:
- cardiology — treatment of atrial fibrillation;
- ophthalmology — therapy for glaucoma, cataracts;
- aesthetic medicine — performing ultrasound lifting, rejuvenation, intimate plastic surgery;
- oncology — reduction in size and complete elimination of malignant and benign tumours; in the case of malignant tumours, this therapeutic method is applicable for oncological diseases of the prostate, pancreas, and breast, kidneys, bone tissue, primary and secondary (metastatic) liver cancer, soft tissue sarcoma.
The best confirmation of the effectiveness with which HIFU therapy is conducted in Israel is the feedback from patients who have undergone treatment using this procedure. Studies show that with this therapeutic method, approximately 80% of patients achieve relief from painful symptoms and sustained five-year remission.
What mechanisms underlie HIFU therapy and how is it performed
The negative impact of high-frequency ultrasound waves on malignant tumours is based on thermal and mechanical effects. The thermal effect is due to the rapid heating of the pathological area to 70-80°C by focused beams, resulting in the destruction and death of malignant cells. The targeted impact protects healthy tissues from thermal damage.
The mechanical effect is due to the development of cavitation (the formation of gas bubbles) under the influence of high-frequency ultrasound and the appearance of rapidly moving liquid streams in the area of the bubbles. When the density of the irradiated tissue changes, its expansion and contraction lead to the destruction of bubbles, the formation of shock waves, and an increase in temperature.
At the preparatory stage, the tumour is scanned to determine its size and exact location. A HIFU therapy session lasts about 1.5 hours and is conducted under ultrasound or MRI control. The number of ultrasound treatment sessions is not limited, unlike radiotherapy, where a maximum allowable total dose of radiation is established.
The high-tech device emitting ultrasound is brought as close as possible to the pathological area. In the case of prostate cancer therapy, transrectal placement of the device is indicated. A specially designed optical system provides a high-quality three-dimensional image of the tumour's location. Then, the device scans the tissues affected by the malignant process and directs high-frequency ultrasound waves at them. As a result of the therapy, the pathological area is literally burned away by ultrasound.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia or without any pain relief and does not require patient hospitalization. However, in some cases, when a puncture is necessary for HIFU therapy, or if the patient is weakened or in serious condition, hospitalization is indicated.
HIFU therapy in Israel: prices
The exact cost is determined after a full examination of the patient, determining the size and location of the tumour, and the number of sessions required to achieve a positive result. On average, the cost of a HIFU therapy course in Israel is 30-45% cheaper than in Western European countries and the USA.
Advantages of HIFU therapy in Israel
- Procedure performed by qualified specialists on high-tech equipment.
- Absence of pronounced side effects.
- Possibility of application in inoperable patients to reduce the size of tumours in late stages.
- Short and easily manageable recovery period.
- Preservation of the patient's immune system functionality, in many cases increasing its anti-tumour activity.
- Possibility of application at any stage of oncological disease and in combination with other treatment methods.
- Relief of pain syndrome in terminal stages of pancreatic cancer, with the development of metastatic foci in bone tissue.
- Possibility of conducting any number of sessions necessary in case of recurrence.