Medical Reports: Killing the Cancer

WSVN -- Jeff Robinson just got back from Mexico, but he didn't go there on vacation, he went for a breakthrough cancer treatment.

Jeff Robinson: "As soon as the doctor says cancer, you just emotionally shut down."

Jeff was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year. As a husband and a father of three, he wanted something that would kill the cancer fast.

Jeff Robinson: "It was important for me to decide on a treatment to be aggressive. I want to live to see my kids grow up."

Radiation and other treatments will destroy prostate cancer, but often leave men with unpleasant side effects.

Jeff Robinson: "The biggest concern that any man is gonna have when he looks at the options is fear of erectile dysfunction and incontinence for the rest of your life."

But, Pembroke Pines Urologist Maury Jayson offered Jeff a breakthrough option. He could fly out of the country for a non-surgical prostate treatment.

Maury Jayson, Urologist: "We are able to accompany our patients, so that they have a familiar face."

It's called HIFU, which stands for high intensity focused ultrasound. HIFU is undergoing clinical trials in the U.S, but is already being offered in places like Argentina, Canada, the Bahamas and Mexico.

Dr. Maury Jayson: "The procedure is fairly simple, it involves no cutting, no needles. A very quick recovery."

Here's how it works, patients are put to sleep and this probe is used to target the prostate.

Dr. Maury Jayson: "The probe uses ultrasound waves, it concentrates them into a fine pinpoint beam and it basically heats up and destroys the cancer cells."

It has a high success rate, and only kills the cancer cells nothing else.

Dr. Maury Jayson: "We have a much higher chance of preserving all the time, men's sexual function."

And recovery time is quick!

Dr. Maury Jayson: "Recovery time is extremely fast. Most of our patients are up and having dinner the same night.

Jeff Robinson: "I had the procedure done on Friday, I was back to work on Monday."

Doctors say unlike radiation, if the cancer does come back, this procedure can be repeated.

Jeff is now cancer-free and hopes this treatment is soon available to all men.

Jeff Robinson: "As far as this treatment is concerned, more people should know about it. I would like to see the FDA approve it, so more men have this option."

The FDA is expected to approve HIFU by next year. Right now there is a clinical trial going on in Naples, Florida.