Common questions

Can the process kill cancer tumours?

Cancer cells treated by HIFU are killed.

How long does the treatment take?

It can take several hours depending on the size and position of the tumour. With very large tumours it may take more than one session

What are the side-effects/risks?

Following the treatment there may be some minor skin blisters, some swelling over treatment site and at least half the patients describe some pain. Like any procedure conducted under general anaesthetic there is always an element of risk. These issues will always be discussed prior to treatment.

Can HIFU treat any other forms of tumour?

HIFU has been used to treat a variety of tumours including liver, kidney, soft tissue tumours, breast, pancreas, uterine fibroids and, using other kinds of machines, prostate tumours.

How long has this technology been available?

It's been used in China since 1997 and the Oxford Churchill hospital has had the only unit in the Western hemisphere since 2001

What is the difference between HIFU and Haifu?

HIFU is an acronym of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Haifu is a registered brand name owned by Chongqing Haifu Technology Company, China.

Does the treatment stop the tumour spreading?

The evidence is that treatment does not cause the tumour to spread. The natural progression of the disease cannot be predicted.

What happens to the tumour once it is treated?

Following treatment, the area killed by HIFU is absorbed naturally by the body and this leaves a volume of scar tissue.

Why the difference in success rate between liver and kidney?

All tumours are different and the position of the organ can make them more or less difficult to treat. The kidney in particular can be complicated as the ribs may make it more difficult to target the tumour.

Do I have a model-JC Tumour Therapy System near me?

Currently there is a unit in Oxford, UK and more than thirty units in the Far East

What does the CE mark mean?

The equipment and its usage is considered safe to EU standards.

Does the process hurt?

During treatment the patient is asleep under anaesthetic and will feel no pain. Once awake about half of patients describe some pain.

How long is the stay in hospital?

Every patient so far has been able to go home the following day.

How many hospital visits are necessary?

Between fours and six times including consultation, planning, screening treatment and follow up.

Does it require other kinds of treatment to be stopped?

No. Currently, due to the nature of our clinical trials, most patients have had other treatments prior to HIFU.