Robotic ultrasound therapy – “Focal One”, an innovative, non-surgical method for treating prostate cancer, was introduced simultaneously in late 2020 at the Karazanashvili Robotic Surgery Center in Georgia and leading clinics in the U.S., such as the University of California San Francisco Medical Center and the Cleveland Clinic. In Germany, the procedure was first applied at the University Clinic of Onco-Urology. This treatment combines focal therapy with robotic technology.
The new system enables diagnostics through 3D imaging using MRI, ultrasound, and robotics. The procedure is performed using a minimally invasive approach and, most importantly, utilizes high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).
In Germany, nearly 70,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2014 alone, making it the most common oncological disease among men.
At this point, patients usually face a choice between radical therapy and active surveillance. Professor Martin Schostak, Director of the University Clinic of Onco-Urology in Germany, discusses the advantages of “Focal One”:
“In recent years, focal therapy has established itself as a successful method in prostate cancer treatment, allowing patients to preserve most of their prostate gland.
The new robotic device ‘Focal One’ is an advancement in high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) technology. During the procedure, ultrasound waves are precisely targeted at small areas of the prostate, where the energy is transformed into heat, destroying the tumor at approximately 80°C.
The treatment is completed in a single session without damage to the rectum or reduction in sexual function.
The device meets all the necessary requirements – for example, precision in planning individual procedures, which enhances the reliability of the treatment and its outcomes during focal therapy.
Unlike previous-generation systems, ‘Focal One’ integrates not only real-time ultrasound but also other imaging technologies such as multiparametric MRI, which can be fused with 3D imaging. This allows dynamic focusing of the treatment, meaning the device can accurately target the cancerous area during therapy.
With robotic assistance, even small movements like shifts in the rectal mucosa are automatically compensated for in real time by autopilot. During the same procedure, doctors can evaluate treatment outcomes using sonographic examination.
With ‘Focal One,’ we offer men a very good alternative, as this therapy promises preservation of a high quality of life. It is especially suitable for patients who are hesitant to undergo radical surgery. The therapy is performed under local anesthesia and takes between 30 minutes to two hours. The typical hospital stay is 3–4 days. The procedure is covered by health insurance,” says Professor Schostak.
According to a study certified by the German Cancer Society (“HEMI”, AUO AP 68/11), focal therapy with “Focal One” can treat prostate cancer without surgical intervention, minimizing side effects and, importantly, preserving glandular functions such as ejaculation.
In Georgia, the procedure has been available since 2021 at the Karazanashvili Robotic Surgery Center, which is considered one of the regional and global leaders in early diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer. The Karazanashvili Center stands among the most advanced medical institutions using cutting-edge technologies to safeguard patients’ health.
