LVHN First in Pennsylvania to Deploy Breakthrough Technology for Prostate Cancer

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is the first site in Pennsylvania to offer Focal One, the noninvasive robotic Focal HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) to patients with localized prostate cancer. Focal One is today’s most advanced technology for precisely targeted ablation of diseased prostate tissue. LVHN will begin offering this treatment at Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street in April.

The addition of Focal One builds on LVHN’s reputation for world-class, high-tech patient care, along with the network’s multidisciplinary approach to treatment of cancer.

Focal One combines real-time ultrasound image guidance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy data presented in 3D. During an outpatient procedure, the doctor navigates to the tumor in real time, directs high-speed ultrasound energy at the target area and removes only the diseased portion of the prostate. No incisions are made.

The fusion of these technologies enables urologists to establish more precise contours around the cancerous tumor than was possible in the past. This precision lessens impact to surrounding healthy tissue and minimizes the risk of side effects of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction for patients, commonly associated with radical prostatectomy and radiation.

“We are committed to providing our patients with the newest, most precise and least invasive procedures possible,” said Angelo Baccala, MD, Chief, Division of Urology, at LVHN. “With Focal One, we’re able to focus only on the diseased section of the prostate, which produces a much better outcome for the patient. This is good news for patients with localized prostate cancer who are most concerned about protecting their quality of life.”