Focal One system may reduce debilitating side effects associated with prostate cancer treatment

Lehigh Valley, Pa. (January 30, 2023) – Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is the first site in Pennsylvania to offer Focal One, the noninvasive robotic Focal HIFU (high intensity focused ultrasound) to patients with localized prostate cancer. Focal One is today’s most advanced technology for precisely targeted ablation of diseased prostate tissue. LVHN will begin offering this treatment at Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street in April.

The addition of Focal One builds on LVHN’s reputation for world-class, high-tech patient care, along with the network’s multidisciplinary approach to treatment of cancer.

Focal One combines real-time ultrasound image guidance with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biopsy data presented in 3D. During an outpatient procedure, the doctor navigates to the tumor in real time, directs high-speed ultrasound energy at the target area and removes only the diseased portion of the prostate. No incisions are made.

The fusion of these technologies enables urologists to establish more precise contours around the cancerous tumor than was possible in the past. This precision lessens impact to surrounding healthy tissue and minimizes the risk of side effects of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction for patients, commonly associated with radical prostatectomy and radiation.

“We are committed to providing our patients with the newest, most precise and least invasive procedures possible,” said Angelo Baccala, MD, Chief, Division of Urology, at LVHN. “With Focal One, we’re able to focus only on the diseased section of the prostate, which produces a much better outcome for the patient. This is good news for patients with localized prostate cancer who are most concerned about protecting their quality of life.”

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) includes 13 hospital campuses, four in Allentown, two in Bethlehem, one in Easton, one in East Stroudsburg, one in Hazleton, two in Pottsville, one in Dickson City, and one in Lehighton, Pa.; 28 health centers; numerous primary and specialty care physician practices; 20 ExpressCARE locations including the area’s only Children’s ExpressCARE; pharmacy, imaging, home health, rehabilitation and lab services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes: trauma care for adults and children; burn care at the Regional Burn Center; kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer, orthopedics, neurology, complex neurosurgery capabilities including national certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center; and robotic surgery in 10 specialties. Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, Lehigh Valley Heart and Vascular Institute, Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence, Lehigh Valley Orthopedic Institute and Lehigh Valley Fleming Neuroscience Institute physicians provide the most advanced treatments. Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is a member of the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Alliance (MSK Cancer Alliance), an initiative that helps community providers improve the quality of cancer care and offers access to MSK clinical trials. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the third largest children’s hospital in Pennsylvania, provides care in more than 30 specialties and general pediatrics. Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest is ranked as the region’s No. 1 hospital for nine straight years and has been recognized among Pennsylvania’s top 10 hospitals for nine consecutive years by U.S. News & World Report. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, LVH–17th Street and LVH–Muhlenberg are the Lehigh Valley’s only Magnet® hospitals for nursing excellence. Additional information is available by visiting LVHN.org or following us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

 

Jamie L. Stover
Media Relations Specialist
Marketing & Public Affairs
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Allentown, PA 18105

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