High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is another form of treatment for prostate cancer. It is delivered through the rectum, using focused sound waves in a targeted area, which increases the temperature in the prostate to cause tissue destruction. HIFU is a 2-3 hour, one-time procedure performed under spinal or epidural anesthesia. It can be repeated if necessary.

Currently, there is no long-term data on the efficacy of this procedure. There are also some limitations; for example, the prostate gland must be of a certain size to perform the treatment effectively. Furthermore, side effects can include incontinence and impotence. Finally, this procedure is currently not FDA-approved for use in the United States.