free future without debilitating side effects that often accompany conventional treatments .”

The benefits of HIFU extend beyond the reduced risk of side effects . Patients are typically discharged the next day , so they can return to normal daily activities relatively quickly . This aspect of the treatment offers a significant advantage for individuals who wish to minimise disruptions to their lives while undergoing cancer treatment .

While the HIFU treatment is undoubtedly promising , it ’ s important to note that not all prostate cancer cases are suitable for this treatment . Patients must undergo a thorough evaluation to determine if they are candidates for HIFU or if conventional treatments would be more appropriate for their condition .

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION WITH CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG

HSAAS UPM has forged a pioneering partnership with the prestigious Chinese University of Hong Kong ( CUHK ) to advance the field of focal therapy for prostate cancer . HSAAS invited world-renowned focal therapy expert Assoc Prof Dr Peter Chiu from CUHK to proctor the urology team at HSAAS for the first two HIFU procedures successfully conducted recently .

Prof Dato ’ Dr Khairul Asri Mohd Ghani , the lead urologist at HSAAS , expressed his enthusiasm for this groundbreaking achievement : “ We are thrilled to introduce HIFU treatment for prostate cancer at Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah UPM . This marks a significant advancement in our ability to provide our

From left : Dr Vincent Khor ( Urology UPM ), Terry from Sonablate , Prof Dato ’ Dr Khairul Asri ( Head of Urology UPM ), Assoc Prof Dr Peter Chiu ( CUHK ) and Nick ( technical expert from Sonablate which supplied the HIFU device ).

patients with a less invasive , more effective , and ultimately , better-tolerated treatment option for prostate cancer . We believe this technology can potentially revolutionise how we approach prostate cancer care .”

Prof Khairul , who is Senior Consultant and Head of Department of Urology at HSAAS , also emphasised the importance of early detection and personalised treatment : “ Early detection of prostate cancer is crucial for successful outcomes . The introduction of focal therapy at HSAAS UPM , along with our advanced diagnostics using MRI-US fusion targeted prostate biopsy , enables us to offer patients a tailored approach to treatment . Not every patient is the same , and with HIFU , we can adjust the treatment parameters to match the specific characteristics of the cancer , resulting in better outcomes .”

By working closely with experts from CUHK , HSAAS UPM is looking to launch a Phase II clinical trial on targeted microwave ablation therapy for prostate cancer by the first quarter of 2024 . Prof Khairul and Dr Vincent Khor will lead this research trial . This collaboration represents a testament to the hospital ’ s dedication to improving prostate cancer care in Malaysia through international cooperation and the pursuit of medical excellence . – The HEALTH