Jeremy Clarkson’s prostate cancer story has brought public attention to PSA testing, early diagnosis and HIFU treatment for prostate cancer.
The Sunday Times has reported that Jeremy Clarkson underwent HIFU treatment for prostate cancer. His story is a timely reminder that early diagnosis can give suitable patients more time to consider their treatment options.
Patients from across Australia, New Zealand and other countries have sought HIFU assessment with A/Prof Peter Royce. Initial telehealth appointments may be arranged where appropriate for patients who are genuinely considering treatment in Melbourne.
Submit a HIFU suitability enquiry How HIFU worksPublic discussion about Jeremy Clarkson’s prostate cancer diagnosis has helped raise awareness of an important issue: prostate cancer may be present before a man has any symptoms.
Early diagnosis matters because it may give patients a broader range of options. Depending on the individual case, these options may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy or minimally invasive treatment options such as HIFU.
The key message is not that one treatment is right for everyone. The key message is that men should speak with their GP about prostate cancer risk, PSA testing and when specialist review may be appropriate.
Reviewed by A/Prof Peter Royce, Urologist | Melbourne HIFU
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 used to treat selected localised prostate cancers. Treatment planning aims to target prostate tissue while preserving surrounding structures where possible.
HIFU is often described as minimally invasive because it does not involve removing the prostate through open or robotic surgery.
It remains a medical procedure that requires careful selection, planning, anaesthesia and follow-up.
HIFU is not a one-size-fits-all treatment. Some patients are better suited to active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy or another treatment pathway.
A proper assessment is needed before HIFU can be recommended.
Focal therapy is a treatment approach for selected patients with localised prostate cancer. Rather than treating or removing the whole prostate gland, focal therapy aims to treat a targeted area of cancer while preserving as much surrounding prostate tissue and nearby structure as possible.
HIFU is one type of prostate cancer focal therapy. NanoKnife, also known as Irreversible Electroporation or IRE, is another focal therapy technique that may be discussed in selected cases.
The most appropriate prostate cancer treatment depends on PSA results, MRI findings, biopsy results, cancer grade, cancer location, prostate anatomy and the patient’s overall health and treatment goals. Some patients are better suited to HIFU, NanoKnife, active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy or another treatment pathway.
HIFU may be considered for selected patients with localised prostate cancer. Suitability depends on a number of factors, including:
HIFU has an important role for selected patients, but it should not be chosen simply because it has appeared in the news. A prostate cancer treatment decision should be based on the individual cancer, the patient’s overall health and a balanced discussion of benefits, risks and alternatives.
Follow-up after HIFU is also important. Patients may require ongoing PSA testing, MRI review and, in some cases, repeat biopsy or further treatment depending on their clinical situation.
Submit a HIFU suitability enquiryA/Prof Peter Royce has extensive experience using HIFU for prostate cancer treatment in Melbourne, including patients from across Australia, New Zealand and other countries. Patients considering HIFU should have their PSA results, MRI imaging and biopsy information reviewed to determine whether the treatment may be appropriate.
The aim of the Melbourne HIFU assessment process is to help patients understand whether HIFU is suitable, or whether another treatment option may be safer or more effective.
If you have been diagnosed with localised prostate cancer and would like to know whether HIFU may be suitable, the next step is to submit your clinical details for review.
HIFU suitability enquiry Read HIFU FAQs Prostate cancer informationA/Prof Peter Royce has assessed and treated patients from across Australia, New Zealand and other countries who are seeking information about HIFU and focal therapy for prostate cancer.
For patients who live outside Melbourne, an initial telehealth appointment may be arranged where appropriate. This can allow PSA results, MRI reports, biopsy results and other relevant clinical information to be reviewed before determining whether HIFU may be a treatment option worth considering.
International enquiries are welcome where a patient is genuinely considering travelling to Melbourne for assessment or treatment. HIFU treatment itself cannot be performed remotely and not every patient will be suitable.
When submitting an enquiry, it is helpful to include PSA history, MRI reports, biopsy results, previous treatment details and whether you would be prepared to travel to Melbourne if HIFU is considered appropriate.
Submit HIFU enquiryHIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound. It uses focused ultrasound energy to heat and destroy targeted prostate tissue. It may be considered for selected patients with localised prostate cancer.
No. HIFU is only suitable for selected patients. Suitability depends on PSA results, MRI findings, biopsy results, cancer grade, cancer location, prostate anatomy and overall health.
Not necessarily. Surgery and radiation therapy remain important treatment options for many patients. HIFU may be considered in selected cases after specialist review.
Yes. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. Men should speak with their GP about whether PSA testing is appropriate, especially if they are over 50 or have a family history of prostate cancer.
The first step is to submit an enquiry and provide relevant clinical information. A specialist review is required before suitability can be determined.
Yes. A/Prof Peter Royce has assessed and treated patients from across Australia, New Zealand and other countries. Initial telehealth appointments may be arranged where appropriate for patients who are genuinely considering travelling to Melbourne for assessment or treatment.
Helpful information includes PSA history, prostate MRI reports, biopsy results, cancer grade, previous prostate cancer treatment details and whether you would be prepared to travel to Melbourne if HIFU is considered appropriate.
If you are considering HIFU for prostate cancer, provide your PSA results, biopsy information and imaging details for review. Patients from outside Melbourne should also indicate whether they are genuinely considering travelling for assessment or treatment if HIFU appears suitable.
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