HIFU and Cryotherapy are touted as minimally invasive options for the treatment of prostate cancer with minimal side-effects. HIFU involves using focussed ultrasound to heat and destroy prostate tissue, while cryotherapy involves freezing the prostate tissue. Side effects of these treatments including impotence and incontinence are not insignificant and long term data is limited and does not appear to be as effective as the more established treatment options of surgery, radiotherapy or brachytherapy. HIFU and cryotherapy are not recommended as first-line prostate cancer treatment and are not widely performed.
