Focal One Therapy at Saint John’s Health Center for Prostate Cancer
When it comes to prostate cancer, there is no one-size-fits-all treatment. At the Saint John’s Cancer Institute Urology and Urologic Oncology Center of Excellence, patients have access to a multidisciplinary team dedicated to delivering personalized care that prioritizes both cancer control and quality of life.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, but every diagnosis is unique. Some prostate cancers grow slowly and may be safely monitored through active surveillance, while others require more immediate intervention. Specialists at Saint John’s evaluate each patient’s PSA levels, imaging, biopsy results, overall health, and personal treatment goals to determine the most appropriate course of care.
One innovative option available for carefully selected patients with localized prostate cancer is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). This minimally invasive treatment uses concentrated ultrasound energy to target and destroy cancerous prostate tissue without surgical incisions. Using the advanced Focal One® system, physicians can precisely identify and treat areas of clinically significant cancer while preserving healthy prostate tissue whenever possible.
“I’m really excited that we’ve reached this 200-case milestone—not for me, but for my patients. We can offer patients a truly customized approach to prostate cancer care, specifically with Focal One therapy.
– Mehran Movassaghi, MD, MBA
HIFU may offer important quality-of-life benefits, including the potential to preserve urinary continence and sexual function when compared with more extensive treatments. While continued monitoring remains essential after treatment, HIFU represents an exciting option for men seeking a focused approach to prostate cancer care.
Leading this effort is Dr. Mehran Movassaghi, Director of Men’s Health at Providence Saint John’s Health Center. A board-certified, fellowship-trained urologist, Dr. Movassaghi has extensive experience in men’s health, endourology and focal therapy for prostate cancer. His experience with Focal One has given patients at Saint John’s access to a focused treatment option within a broader multidisciplinary approach to prostate cancer care.
Listen to Dr. Mehran Movassaghi
The 200-treatment milestone reflects the experience that has developed around Focal One at Saint John’s, but the technology is only one part of the care. Each patient is evaluated individually, with active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy and focal therapy considered according to the cancer and the patient’s goals. For appropriately selected patients, HIFU offers another way to approach cancer treatment while considering quality of life alongside cancer control.
Learn more about the Urology and Urologic Oncology Center of Excellence and available prostate cancer treatment options at Saint John’s Cancer Institute.