Novel Non-invasive Treatment With High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

Abstract

Ultrasound is not only used for diagnostic purposes but it also can be applied therapeutically so far that nowadays high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) even represents a novel non-invasive treatment modality for various solid tumors. HIFU works by causing selectively deep tissue destruction of target lesions within the body without harming adjacent and overlying structures. In this article, we present an overview on both the mode of action and requirements for a HIFU treatment as well as on the safety and the current status of indications and possible applications with regard to benign and malignant gynecological diseases. Based on numerous studies and original articles, HIFU proved to be an effective and low-risk treatment option particularly for uterine fibroids and adenomyosis, but it also seems to be effective for breast fibroadenomas or even for breast cancer in special cases and other rare entities.

Zusammenfassung

Ultraschall kann nicht nur zu diagnostischen Zwecken eingesetzt werden. Durch hochintensiven fokussierten Ultraschall (HIFU) wird das Einsatzspektrum deutlich erweitert, sodass dieser als neuartige nichtinvasive therapeutische Modalität für die Behandlung verschiedenartiger solider Tumoren erfolgreich angewendet werden kann. Hierbei werden selektiv im menschlichen Körper befindliche Zielregionen zerstört, ohne eine Schädigung benachbarter Strukturen zu verursachen. Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick sowohl über die Wirkungsweise und Voraussetzungen für eine HIFU-Behandlung, als auch über die Sicherheit und den aktuellen Stand der Einsatzmöglichkeiten dieses innovativen Verfahrens bei gutartigen und bösartigen gynäkologischen Erkrankungen. Anhand zahlreicher Studien und Originalarbeiten wird aufgezeigt, dass mittels HIFU eine wirksame und risikoarme Behandlung von Uterusmyomen und Adenomyose, aber auch von Fibroadenomen der Brust sowie Mammakarzinomen und anderen eher selteneren Entitäten erzielt werden kann.

Key words

HIFU - gynecological tumors - high-intensity focused ultrasound - uterine fibroids - adenomyosis

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