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Ultrasound destroys 80 percent of prostate cancers in one-year study (newatlas.com)

708 points by howard941 · 2499 days ago · 112 comments on HN

Article summary

A new MRI-guided ultrasound technique called TULSA has shown promising results in treating prostate cancer, eliminating clinically significant cancer in 80% of subjects in a one-year study. The minimally invasive technology uses a rod that enters the prostate gland via the urethra to emit highly controlled sound waves, heating and destroying diseased tissue while leaving healthy tissue unharmed. The treatment has been approved for clinical use in Europe and has received FDA pre-market clearance in the US. The study's results suggest that TULSA could be a safer and less invasive alternative to traditional treatments like surgery or radiotherapy.

Main themes

  • prostate cancer treatment
  • MRI-guided ultrasound
  • minimally invasive technology
  • cancer research
  • medical innovation

What commenters say

  • The TULSA procedure, although minimally invasive, can still be uncomfortable and even painful for some patients, but it may be a necessary evil for effective treatment.
  • Prostate cancer is often slow-developing and may not require immediate treatment, but in some cases, it can be life-threatening and requires aggressive intervention.
  • The idea that there is no money in certain medical treatments for big pharma is not entirely accurate, as hospitals and healthcare providers can still profit from these procedures.
  • The development of new cancer treatments like TULSA is crucial, as traditional methods can have severe side effects and may not always be effective.
  • Some people are willing to undergo uncomfortable or painful procedures if it means a potential cure or improvement in their condition.
  • The profitability of medical treatments should not be the primary consideration in their development and adoption, but rather their safety and efficacy.
  • Government-funded healthcare systems and private investment can drive innovation in medical research and treatment, even if big pharma is not directly involved.