Prostate cancer, once thought to affect mainly older men, is now rising among younger people in India because of changing lifestyles. A Lancet Commission report says the country records 33,000–42,000 new prostate cancer cases every year, and this could grow to 71,000 by 2040. Doctors say early detection and advanced treatments can save many lives. One such promising option is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), which is showing better results without surgery.
Treatment done without surgery
The team at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research, located in Rohini, recently saved the life of a 43-year-old patient with this very technology, who was among the country’s youngest prostate cancer patients. The team treated only the cancerous part without harming the prostate — and that too without an operation. The patient is now completely healthy.
Cancer under control in early reports
In fact, under the direction of senior uro-oncologist Prof. Sudhir Kumar Rawal, the institute adopted HIFU technology in 2024. By combining this technique with modern tests like MRI-fusion biopsy and genetic profiling, patients are being given fully personalized treatment. According to Prof. Rawal, the cancer was detected at an early stage through MRI. After treatment, the patient will not have to suffer lifelong side effects. His recovery is progressing quickly. He retains urinary control as well as sexual function. Early reports show the cancer is under control.
From Britain to Delhi, HIFU brings new hope
In 2012, Prof. Mark Emberton of University College London and his team raised an important question: can we treat only the cancerous portion without damaging the entire prostate? The results that emerged from HIFU trials were far better than expected. Even one year later, patients had no difficulty holding urine.
No side effects either
Moreover, 90 percent of patients retained sexual function. For the first time, this treatment gave patients the option to fight cancer while also maintaining their quality of life. In data collected seven years after the technique was implemented, 97 percent of patients at British health centers were found alive. There were virtually no deaths from prostate cancer. At the same time, there were no side effects of any kind.
HIFU available in these hospitals in the country
HIFU technology is available in India at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research–Delhi, Tata Memorial Hospital–Mumbai, and Kokilaben Hospital–Mumbai with the cooperation of Novomed Incorporation. With this, the fear of surgery in prostate cancer treatment is diminishing.
