High frequency ultrasound procedure can eliminate cancerous tumors

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- The removal of a cancerous kidney tumor usually involves major surgery and weeks of recovery. But now, doctors at the University of Southern California are using robotic technology to destroy the cancer.

Van Nuys resident Gary Fradkin, 62, is one of the patients who underwent the new procedure at Keck Hospital of USC. Surgeons used high-intensity focused ultrasound energy to destroy a tumor in Fradkin's kidney.

Dr. Inderbir Gill, chairman and professor at Keck Hospital, said the focused ultrasound procedure is already being used in Europe to treat prostate cancer. He added that the method is a game-changer in the medical field.

"This is a significant step forward today," he said.

Fradkin had undergone two previous procedures for tumors on his kidney, but not too long ago a third tumor appeared. Doctors said because of the size and location of Fradkin's tumor, he was a good candidate for the ultrasound method.

Gill predicts that someday high-frequency focused ultrasound will be used to eliminate tumors in the liver and pancreas as well.

"Once we can assure good cell kill, good cancer kill, then I think this will certainly take off significantly," he said.

According to USC professor Dr. Osamu Ukimura, once the ultrasound is focused on one area, the large amount of energy destroys the cancer cells.

The ultrasound also offers many advantages over conventional surgery. According to doctors, there is very little blood loss, surgery is shorter, only four small incisions for the ultrasound probe are needed and patients can go home hours after the procedure.

"It allows you to save the kidney function and it allows you to do this with minimal blood loss, minimal complications (and) quick recovery," Gill said.

Fradkin hopes he is done with surgeries, but if another tumor appears then doctors say he can undergo the same procedure.

In recovery, Fradkin said he felt fine and didn't seem to have any discomfort from the procedure. He hopes to recover quickly to go out and enjoy his favorite sport, windsurfing.

Doctors said in about a week the avid windsurfer can get back on his board and ride the waves.