Jeremy Clarkson’s reported HIFU treatment highlights prostate cancer focal therapy options
Jeremy Clarkson’s recent prostate cancer story has brought public attention to PSA testing, early diagnosis and prostate cancer treatment options, including focal therapies such as HIFU and NanoKnife for selected men with localised prostate cancer.
Book an appointmentWhy Jeremy Clarkson’s prostate cancer story matters
The Sunday Times has reported that Jeremy Clarkson underwent HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. His story is a reminder that early detection can give suitable patients more time to consider their treatment options, which may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy or focal therapy such as HIFU or NanoKnife.
Prostate cancer may be detected before it causes symptoms. A man can feel completely well and still have a clinically significant prostate cancer.
The key message is not that one treatment is right for everyone. The key message is that men should not ignore prostate cancer risk, especially if they are older, have a family history, or have been advised to have PSA testing.
Reviewed by Urology Associates | Melbourne Urologists providing prostate cancer assessment and treatment
Understanding prostate cancer treatment options
When prostate cancer is found at an earlier stage, some men may have more time to consider the full range of suitable treatment options. The best approach depends on the individual cancer, the patient’s health and personal treatment priorities.
At Urology Associates, prostate cancer assessment is not limited to one treatment pathway. Patients may be assessed for active surveillance, focal therapy such as HIFU or NanoKnife, surgery, radiation therapy or another approach depending on their individual diagnosis.
What is HIFU for prostate cancer?
HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted prostate tissue.
In prostate cancer treatment, HIFU may be considered for selected men with localised prostate cancer where the cancer can be accurately targeted. At Urology Associates, A/Prof Peter Royce offers HIFU assessment and treatment for suitable patients.
The suitability of HIFU depends on factors such as MRI findings, biopsy results, cancer grade, cancer location and prostate anatomy.
HIFU is not a replacement for surgery or radiation therapy in all patients. It is one possible treatment option that may be discussed after specialist assessment.
How focal therapy differs from whole-gland treatment
Focal therapy aims to treat a targeted area of prostate cancer rather than treating or removing the entire prostate gland.
The aim is to control suitable localised prostate cancer while preserving as much normal prostate tissue and surrounding structure as possible. However, untreated areas of the prostate may still need ongoing monitoring.
Follow-up after focal therapy is important and may include PSA testing, MRI and repeat biopsy depending on the individual situation.
Prostate cancer focal therapy options, including HIFU and NanoKnife
HIFU is one type of focal therapy. Another focal therapy option discussed for selected prostate cancer patients is NanoKnife, also known as Irreversible Electroporation or IRE.
NanoKnife uses short electrical pulses rather than heat to damage targeted cancer cells. Like HIFU, it is only suitable for selected patients and requires careful review of PSA results, MRI findings, biopsy results, cancer grade and cancer location.
At Urology Associates, NanoKnife and other prostate cancer treatment options may be discussed with A/Prof Peter Royce or Mr Dennis King where clinically appropriate. This allows the discussion to remain focused on the patient’s diagnosis rather than on a single treatment.
Not every patient is suitable for focal therapy. Some men are better managed with active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy or another treatment approach.
| Feature | HIFU | NanoKnife / IRE |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | High Intensity Focused Ultrasound | Irreversible Electroporation |
| Energy used | Focused ultrasound energy | Short electrical pulses |
| Main treatment effect | Heats targeted prostate tissue | Disrupts targeted cancer cells using electrical energy |
| Role | May be considered as focal therapy in selected localised prostate cancer cases | May be considered as focal therapy in selected localised prostate cancer cases |
| Suitability | Depends on PSA, MRI, biopsy, cancer grade, cancer location and anatomy | Depends on PSA, MRI, biopsy, cancer grade, cancer location and anatomy |
Who may be suitable for HIFU or focal therapy?
HIFU, NanoKnife or another focal therapy option may be considered for selected men with localised prostate cancer. Suitability depends on several factors.
- PSA level and PSA trend
- MRI findings
- Biopsy results and cancer grade
- Whether the cancer appears confined to the prostate
- The size and position of the cancer within the prostate
- Whether the cancer can be accurately targeted
- Previous prostate cancer treatment, if any
- The patient’s age, health, priorities and expectations
Why careful assessment is essential
Prostate cancer treatment should not be chosen based on a headline, celebrity story or single test result. A careful assessment is needed to understand the type of prostate cancer, its location, its grade and whether it is likely to behave aggressively.
Focal therapy is not usually suitable where cancer is widespread throughout the prostate, where cancer is more aggressive, or where there is concern that cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
Prostate cancer focal therapy and treatment in Melbourne
Urology Associates provides assessment and management for men with prostate cancer, including discussion of focal therapy and whole-gland treatment options where appropriate.
A/Prof Peter Royce offers HIFU assessment and treatment for selected patients with localised prostate cancer. Further information about HIFU prostate cancer treatment is also available on A/Prof Royce’s dedicated Melbourne HIFU website.
NanoKnife, also known as Irreversible Electroporation or IRE, may also be discussed as a focal therapy option in selected cases. A/Prof Peter Royce and Mr Dennis King both assess patients with prostate cancer and can discuss whether focal therapy, surgery, radiation therapy, active surveillance or another approach may be most appropriate.
At Urology Associates, the aim is to help patients understand the full range of suitable options. In some cases, focal therapy such as HIFU or NanoKnife may be appropriate. In other cases, active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy or another treatment pathway may be safer or more effective.
HIFU information
For patients specifically researching HIFU prostate cancer treatment, including suitability and treatment background.
Learn more about HIFU Melbourne HIFU websiteHIFU suitability enquiry
Patients who would like to make a HIFU-specific enquiry can use the Melbourne HIFU online enquiry form. This is an enquiry and suitability assessment pathway, not a guarantee that HIFU will be appropriate.
HIFU suitability enquiryGeneral prostate cancer appointment
For broader discussion of prostate cancer treatment options, including surgery, active surveillance, radiation therapy and focal therapy.
Request AppointmentA/Prof Peter Royce Mr Dennis King
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HIFU treatment for prostate cancer?
HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted prostate tissue. In selected patients with localised prostate cancer, HIFU may be considered as a focal therapy option.
Is HIFU suitable for all prostate cancers?
No. HIFU is only suitable for selected patients. Suitability depends on PSA results, MRI findings, biopsy results, cancer grade, cancer location, prostate anatomy and the patient’s overall health and treatment goals.
Is HIFU the same as NanoKnife?
No. HIFU uses focused ultrasound energy to heat targeted prostate tissue. NanoKnife, also known as Irreversible Electroporation or IRE, uses short electrical pulses to damage targeted cancer cells. Both may be discussed as focal therapy options in selected cases.
Does focal therapy remove the whole prostate?
No. Focal therapy is designed to treat a targeted area of prostate cancer rather than removing the entire prostate gland.
Does focal therapy replace surgery or radiation therapy?
Not necessarily. Surgery and radiation therapy remain important treatment options for many men with prostate cancer. Focal therapy may be considered in selected cases after specialist review.
Can prostate cancer be present without symptoms?
Yes. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. Men should speak with their GP about whether PSA testing is appropriate for them, especially if they are over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer.
What should I do if my PSA is raised?
A raised PSA should be discussed with your GP or urologist. It does not always mean prostate cancer, but further assessment may be required.
Can I ask specifically about HIFU or NanoKnife?
Yes. If you have been diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, you can ask whether focal therapy such as HIFU or NanoKnife may be appropriate. A specialist review is required before suitability can be determined.
Who provides prostate cancer treatment at Urology Associates?
A/Prof Peter Royce offers HIFU assessment and treatment for suitable patients with localised prostate cancer. A/Prof Peter Royce and Mr Dennis King both assess and treat patients with prostate cancer and can discuss focal therapy options such as NanoKnife where appropriate, as well as surgery, active surveillance, radiation therapy and other treatment pathways.
This page provides general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Treatment decisions should be made after consultation with a qualified medical practitioner. HIFU and other focal therapy options are only suitable for selected patients and require careful assessment and follow-up.
Considering treatment options for prostate cancer?
If you have been diagnosed with localised prostate cancer, or you have been told you may need treatment, you can book an appointment to discuss prostate cancer treatment options, including whether focal therapy such as HIFU or NanoKnife may be appropriate in your situation.