Pancreatic cancer is a malignant disease that affects the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and hormones that regulate blood sugar levels. This disease is known to be difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms are often unclear at the beginning. As a result, many patients only discover the presence of pancreatic cancer when the disease has progressed to a more advanced stage.
Advancements in medical technology now provide opportunities for more modern and minimally invasive therapies. One of these is High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), a therapeutic method that uses high-energy ultrasound waves to destroy tumor tissue. This technology is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri as a treatment option for pancreatic cancer without surgery.
Contents
What Is HIFU Therapy?
HIFU is a medical procedure that works by utilizing high-intensity sound waves focused on a specific point inside the body. These waves generate heat in the tumor area, causing cancer cells to become damaged and eventually die.
Unlike conventional surgery, this therapy does not require any incisions in the body. The ultrasound energy is delivered from outside the body and directed with high precision to the tumor location. Because the energy is concentrated only at a specific point, the surrounding healthy tissue generally remains protected.
This approach makes HIFU one of the non-invasive treatment methods that is increasingly studied and used in the management of various types of cancer, including pancreatic cancer.
Patient Conditions That May Consider HIFU
HIFU therapy is not always the primary treatment option for every patient. However, under certain conditions, this method may be considered as part of the treatment strategy for pancreatic cancer, including:
1. Locally advanced pancreatic cancer
In this condition, the cancer has spread to tissues around the pancreas but has not yet spread to distant organs.
2. Tumors that are difficult to operate on
Some tumors are located very close to major blood vessels or other important structures, making surgery high-risk.
3. Limited treatment options
In some patients with advanced stages, conventional therapies may not provide optimal results, so additional approaches may be required.
4. Severe pain caused by the tumor
The growth of pancreatic tumors can cause significant pain. HIFU has been shown to help reduce pain in some patients.
5. Controlling tumor size
In addition to relieving symptoms, this therapy may also help gradually reduce the size of the tumor.
HIFU Therapy Process for Pancreatic Cancer
HIFU technology works by destroying tumor tissue using heat. In general, the procedure is performed through several stages:
1. Determining the tumor location
Doctors first identify the tumor location using imaging technology such as ultrasound so the energy can be directed accurately.
2. Delivering ultrasound energy
The HIFU device emits ultrasound waves from outside the body toward the predetermined tumor point.
3. Temperature increase
The energy concentrated at that point can increase tissue temperature to more than 80°C.
4. Destruction of cancer cells
The high heat causes permanent damage (necrosis) to cancer cells. Over time, the damaged tumor tissue shrinks, which can reduce the tumor size.
Benefits of HIFU for Pancreatic Cancer Patients
As a non-surgical therapy, HIFU offers several advantages compared to conventional methods, including:
- Does not require surgery or incisions
- Lower risk of complications
- Can help reduce pain caused by the tumor
- Potentially reduces tumor size
- Can support other therapies when needed
- Helps improve patients’ quality of life
Because the procedure is minimally invasive, many patients can undergo the therapy with relatively good tolerance.
Clinical Evidence on the Effectiveness of HIFU for Pancreatic Cancer
Several studies have evaluated the use of HIFU in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer. One study titled “Clinical Effectiveness and Potential Survival Benefit of US-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy in Patients with Advanced-Stage Pancreatic Cancer” showed promising results.
1. Improvement in pain symptoms
In a study involving 50 patients, around 84% experienced significant reduction in abdominal pain after undergoing HIFU therapy. This effect remained visible during the follow-up period in both patients with and without metastasis.
2. Reduction in tumor size
The study also reported that the average tumor volume decreased by about 37.8% within the first 6 weeks after therapy. After 6 months, the reduction in tumor size reached approximately 57.9%.
3. Potential improvement in survival
The study reported a median overall survival of around 16.2 months from diagnosis, with a median progression-free survival of about 16.9 months. These findings suggest that HIFU therapy may provide additional benefits in supporting survival in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer.
HIFU Specialists for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
Pancreatic cancer treatment using HIFU technology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is supported by an experienced multidisciplinary team. Collaboration between interventional radiologists and internal medicine specialists with gastroenterohepatology expertise helps provide more comprehensive care for patients.
The following doctors are involved in pancreatic cancer treatment with HIFU technology at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri:
1. dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad, (K)RI
One of the doctors who performs HIFU therapy for pancreatic cancer at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad, (K)RI. He is a radiology specialist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology and has experience in various minimally invasive procedures for cancer therapy.
In his practice, dr. Sugianto utilizes medical imaging technologies such as Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, and fluoroscopy to ensure procedures are performed accurately and precisely. In addition to HIFU procedures, he is also experienced in performing various tumor ablation techniques without major surgery, such as TACE, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and Microwave Ablation.
dr. Sugianto completed his medical degree at Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, and later continued his radiology specialist training at the University of Indonesia.
dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad, (K)RI is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Tuesday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
- Thursday: 16.00 – 20.00 WIB
2. dr. Hendra Koncoro, Sp.PD-KGEH
dr. Hendra Koncoro, Sp.PD-KGEH is an internal medicine specialist with a consultant subspecialty in gastroenterohepatology focusing on diseases of the digestive system and liver. He has experience in treating various conditions related to digestive organs, including liver cancer, gallstones, fatty liver, liver nodules, liver cirrhosis, and bile duct cancer.
dr. Hendra completed his medical degree at Atma Jaya Catholic University, then continued his Master of Biomedical Science and internal medicine specialist training at Udayana University. He also obtained his consultant degree in Gastroenterology and Hepatology from the University of Indonesia.
In his clinical practice, dr. Hendra provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services, particularly for conditions related to the digestive system. Available services include internal medicine consultations, liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile tests, urine tests, and supporting examinations such as CT Scan and MRI Scan to help establish a more accurate diagnosis.
dr. Hendra Koncoro, Sp.PD-KGEH is available at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri on:
- Wednesday: 10.30 – 12.30 WIB
- Saturday: 10.30 – 12.30 WIB
To make your visit easier, you can use the Chat via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application, which can be downloaded from Google Play and the App Store to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and access other complete information.
