Page 16 - Janaury 2018

ONCOLOGY UPDATE in South Florida ...ONCOLOGY UPDATE in South Florida

ONCOLOGY UPDATE IN SOUTH FLORIDA: International HIFU Centers, Global

Innovations and Innovators Leader in HIFU For Prostate Cancer,

Most of the cancers that tumors can be treated with
catch the attention of the minimally invasive tech- Now Offering Mobile Services
media and make head- niques that involve
lines include the breast, microwave ablation equip- HIFU (high intensity focused ultra-
colon and lung. These ment and ultrasound tech- sound) as a non-invasive, outpatient
cancers seem to have new niques. Unlike the extensive treatment for prostate cancer received
innovations that improve hospital stays and large scars FDA approval in October of 2015. Since
survival rates and treat- that went along with open then, approximately 50 physicians
ment every day. What surgery in the past, patients throughout the United States have begun
about other less publi- undergoing laparoscopic or to offer this innovative procedure with
cized cancers? In particu- robotic surgery ablations the use of the Sonablate 500, the indus-
lar, Liver cancer incidence spend only a night or two in try’s most advanced HIFU-delivering
has more than tripled BY KIMMERLE "K.C." the hospital with minimal technology. But for many physicians and
since the 1980s. Death COHEN, MD blood loss and small 5mm facilities who do not currently offer
rates in liver cancer have incisions. The microwave HIFU, the capital investment in this tech-
increased by almost 3 percent per year ablation technique also allows for patients nology may be too great, coupled with the HIFU, an outpatient procedure, uses
since 2000, rather than decrease like the with cirrhosis who otherwise would not lack of experience or training to perform targeted heat ultrasound energy to ablate
other fore mentioned cancers. So, why be a candidate for liver surgery, to receive the procedure. prostate cancer cells while preserving the
don’t you hear more about it? What’s new treatment for liver cancer. Now, there is a solution for those who surrounding tissue responsible for
with liver cancer, other than the increase In addition to ablation techniques and wish to offer HIFU as a prostate cancer sexual and urinary function.
in prevalence? What can be done about it? anti-viral medications, techniques done treatment in a sustainable economic
Although on the rise, there are several with interventional radiology can also be framework – mobile, proctored HIFU services provided by
new innovations and advances in the performed to prolong survival and help International HIFU Centers, the global leader in HIFU for
treatment of liver cancer. Liver cancer is treat liver cancer. These techniques the treatment of prostate cancer with over 2,600 proce-
mainly caused by cirrhosis of the liver, include Y90 and transarterial chemoem- dures performed.
either from heavy alcohol usage, fatty liver bolization, which allows for direct deliver- “Urologists who currently perform HIFU have demon-
disease or hepatitis. With the recent intro- ance of cancer killing medications to the strated successful clinical outcomes for their patients
duction of Harvoni, and other anti-viral specific site of the tumor. These proce- including reduced PSA levels and significantly diminished
medications like it, Hepatitis C is now a dures can often be done in outpatient set- risks of side effects such as incontinence and impotence,”
curable illness and, if treated early enough, tings and amplify the treatment when per- said Dr. George Suarez, founder of the International HIFU
can help prevent cirrhosis and ultimately formed in conjunction with other surgery Centers and the medical director of the HIFU FDA clinical
the development of liver cancer. and chemotherapy. trials. “And, now, we want to make sure that all physicians
Prior to the 1990s and even early in the and facilities have the opportunity to offer this innovative Dr. George Suarez
21st Century, the surgical management of Dr. Kimmerle "K.C." Cohen, Oncological procedure to their patients that will increase patient safety,
liver tumors included a large operation or and Hepatopancreaticobiliary Surgery, quality of life and overall clinical outcomes.”
even transplant, but nowadays, liver can be reached at (561) 802-9958. International HIFU Centers (IHC) will provide on-site proctors, trainers and tech-
nicians who are specially trained and certified in the application of HIFU throughout
the duration of the session. As well, they will oversee the management of all billing
and collection of patient fees, including payment to the facility and/or physician at
the time of service. In addition, IHC will transport and allow on-site use of the
Sonablate 500 to perform the HIFU procedure.
The Sonablate technology has several unique software features, including use of
MRI/US fusion to precisely target regions slated for ablation. In addition, Sonablate
provides the feedback data required by the physician to assess how the prostate is
responding to energy disposition, and the tools required to modify that energy to
achieve complete ablation. These multiple and unique features all play a role in pro-
viding the accuracy, consistency, and safety required for the delivery of focused ultra-
sound energy to the prostate.
HIFU can be used as an alternative to chemotherapy, surgery, radiation and for
post-radiation cancer recurrence, which occurs in about 50,000 men annually. HIFU
is a self-pay procedure not currently covered by commercial insurances; however, the
Centers for Medicaid and Medicare services has accepted a C-code which is applica-
ble to procedures performed in hospital and ASC facilities under the Medicare
Hospital Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS).

For more information about HIFU mobile services,
call (305) 274-7144 or email drsuarez@suarezurology.com.

16 January 2018 southfloridahospitalnews.com South Florida Hospital News