A First in Treating Prostate Cancer at Lynn Cancer Institute

In a first for cancer care in Palm Beach County, high intensity focused ultrasound, also known as HIFU, is being utilized by urologic oncologists at The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute to treat patients with prostate cancer.

The minimally invasive procedure helps cancer patients maintain urinary and sexual function, according to David A. Taub, M.D., director of urologic oncology and robotic urology at Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital.

Minimizing side effects from prostate cancer treatment

HIFU, which is also used for patients with essential tremors, has proven successful results for prostate cancer patients in Europe over the past twenty years. It was first FDA approved for use in the United States in 2015. Dr. Taub says the newest iteration of this technology offers a less invasive approach to prostate cancer care when compared to traditional whole-gland treatments such as surgery or radiation.

David A. Taub, M.D., director of urologic oncology and robotic urology at Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital

“Patients who meet specific criteria are able to undergo a one or two-hour outpatient procedure where HIFU will ablate only the cancerous area, importantly sparing normal prostate tissue,” Dr. Taub says. “The ability to focus treatment precisely on only part of the prostate minimizes urinary and sexual side effects after the procedure. In prior prostate cancer patients, HIFU has allowed them to maintain sexual and urinary function, up to 95 percent.”

Following the procedure, patients are discharged with a catheter and return to the clinic days later for a follow-up. Within three months, the urologic oncologist along with the multidisciplinary team evaluates the patient’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to assess treatment progress.

Black men at highest risk for developing prostate cancer

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 288,300 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. this year and 34,700 men will die from the disease. Black men in particular are at highest risk for developing prostate cancer, says the ACS.

“Black men have among the highest documented prostate cancer incidence rate in the world, are over twice as likely to die from prostate cancer and are more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage compared to non-Hispanic White men,” the ACS states. “Additionally, Black men with lower-grade (less aggressive) disease are more likely to die from prostate cancer than other groups. The reasons for this disparity are complex and include interactions between social, behavioral and biological factors.”

A better option for treating patients with prostate cancer

“As physicians, we are thrilled to evolve the treatment options we have for our patients, to ensure they can select what’s best for their individual lifestyle,” says Dr. Taub. “This new option allows our patients to be treated less invasively, resulting in less overall impact on their daily activities when compared to traditional treatment modalities.”

The ability to offer HIFU treatment at Lynn Cancer Institute was made possible through a generous philanthropic gift from Rob and Pamela Sands – The Sands Family Foundation, Dr. Taub adds.