The Focal One system can 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 patients with localized prostate cancer Focal One, the non-invasive Focal HIFU (high-intensity focused ultrasound) robot. Focal One is currently the most advanced technology for the targeted ablation of diseased prostate tissue. LVHN will be 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, as well as the network’s multidisciplinary approach to treating cancer.
Focal One combines real-time ultrasound imaging 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 cuts will be made.
The merging of these technologies allows urologists to create more precise contours around the cancer than was possible in the past. This precision reduces impact on 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 accurate and least invasive procedures,” said Angelo Baccala, MD, Chief, Division of Urology, at LVHN. “With Focal One, we can only focus on the diseased section of the prostate, resulting in 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, Pennsylvania; 28 health centers; numerous general practitioners and specialist practices; 20 ExpressCARE locations, including the region’s only ExpressCARE for children; pharmacy, imaging, home health, rehabilitation and laboratory services; and preferred provider services through Valley Preferred. Specialty care includes: trauma care for adults and children; Burn Treatment at the Regional Burn Center; kidney and pancreas transplants; perinatal/neonatal, cardiac, cancer, orthopedics, neurology, complex neurosurgery skills including national certification as a comprehensive stroke center; and robotic surgery in 10 specialties. Physicians at the 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 offer the most advanced treatments. The 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 provides access to MSK clinical trials. Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, the third largest pediatric hospital in Pennsylvania, provides care in more than 30 specialties and general pediatrics. Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest has been ranked the #1 hospital in the region for nine straight years and has been recognized as one of Pennsylvania’s top 10 hospitals by US News & World Report for nine straight years. Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)-Cedar Crest, LVH-17th Street, and LVH-Muhlenberg are the only Magnet® hospitals in the Lehigh Valley that are distinguished by excellence in care. For more information, visit LVHN.org or follow us on Facebook. TwitterLinkedIn and Instagram.
Jamie L Stover
Media work specialist
Marketing & Public Affairs
Lehigh Valley Health Network
Allentown, PA 18105