Pancreatic cancer is a malignant disease that develops in the tissues of the pancreas, an organ that plays an important role in digestion and blood sugar regulation. Unfortunately, this cancer is often difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms are non-specific. As a result, many patients are only diagnosed when the disease has reached an advanced stage.
With the advancement of medical technology, a non-surgical innovation known as HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is now available. HIFU is a non-invasive procedure that uses high-intensity ultrasound waves to precisely destroy tumor tissue without requiring incisions. The ultrasound energy is focused accurately on a specific point, generating heat capable of damaging and killing cancer cells.
At Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri, HIFU technology is available as a modern therapeutic option for pancreatic cancer patients, including those in advanced stages. This method offers a more minimally invasive approach with relatively lower complication risks compared to conventional surgery.
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When Can HIFU Be Considered for Pancreatic Cancer?
HIFU therapy may be considered in the following conditions:
- Locally advanced pancreatic cancer, where the cancer has spread to tissues around the pancreas but has not metastasized to distant organs.
- Tumors that cannot be surgically removed, for example, due to proximity to major blood vessels or when the patient’s condition does not allow for major surgery.
- Patients with limited treatment options, particularly in advanced stages that are difficult to manage with standard methods.
- Patients experiencing severe pain due to tumor growth, as HIFU can significantly relieve pain for a certain period.
- Patients requiring tumor size control, as HIFU can gradually shrink tumor mass, whether metastasis is present or not.
Several clinical findings also indicate potential additional benefits of HIFU in supporting life expectancy in certain patient groups.
How HIFU Works in Treating Pancreatic Cancer
HIFU works based on the principle of thermal ablation without open surgery. Here is a simplified explanation:
- Precise tumor targeting: Ultrasound waves are directed precisely to the tumor location in the pancreas using ultrasound (USG) guidance to ensure accuracy.
- High temperature at the focal point: The focused ultrasound energy increases the temperature in the targeted area to more than 80°C.
- Thermal ablation process: The high heat causes cancer cell death (necrosis). Over several weeks to months, the damaged tumor tissue gradually shrinks, reducing tumor size.
Advantages of HIFU for Pancreatic Cancer
Some of the advantages of HIFU therapy include:
- Does not require surgery or incisions (non-invasive).
- Relatively lower risk and generally well tolerated by patients.
- Helps significantly reduce pain, including in patients with metastatic cancer.
- Has the potential to shrink tumor size, which may support other therapies if needed.
- Helps improve quality of life as pain symptoms become more controlled.
- Shows potential survival benefits in patients with limited treatment options.
To date, further clinical research is still ongoing to compare standard palliative therapy with a combination of standard therapy and HIFU in advanced pancreatic cancer to comprehensively confirm its benefits.
Clinical Study Results on HIFU Therapy
Not merely a claim, in a study titled Clinical Effectiveness and Potential Survival Benefit of US-Guided High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Therapy in Patients with Advanced-Stage Pancreatic Cancer, HIFU therapy demonstrated promising results.
1. Pain reduction in most patients
A total of 84% of 50 advanced-stage pancreatic cancer patients who underwent HIFU therapy experienced significant abdominal pain reduction from the early phase of treatment. This effect persisted throughout the monitoring period, both in patients with and without metastasis.
2. Gradual tumor shrinkage
The average tumor volume decreased by approximately 37.8% within the first 6 weeks and reached around 57.9% after 6 months. This indicates that HIFU not only reduces symptoms but also contributes to tumor size control.
3. Potential survival benefit
The study recorded a median overall survival of approximately 16.2 months from diagnosis, with a median progression-free survival of around 16.9 months. These findings suggest potential additional survival benefits for advanced pancreatic cancer patients undergoing HIFU therapy.
HIFU Specialist for Pancreatic Cancer
HIFU treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri is performed by dr. Sugianto Santoso, Sp.Rad, (K)RI, a radiologist with a subspecialty in interventional radiology experienced in minimally invasive procedures.
In his practice, he utilizes imaging guidance such as ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, and fluoroscopy to ensure procedures are performed accurately and safely. In addition to HIFU, he is experienced in procedures such as TACE (Transarterial Chemoembolization), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), and Microwave Ablation to destroy tumor tissue without major surgery.
dr. Sugianto completed his General Medical degree at Universitas Kristen Maranatha, Bandung, and his Radiology Specialist training at Universitas Indonesia. With a strong educational background and clinical experience, he plays a role in implementing modern minimally invasive technology to help manage pancreatic cancer more precisely with minimized risks.
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
To make your visit easier, use the Chat feature via WhatsApp, Book Appointment, or the Care Dokter application available on Google Play and the App Store to schedule visits, check queue numbers, and obtain further information.
