First Patient in Ireland to Receive Focal Therapy Treatment for Prostate Cancer

In November 2024 at Beacon Hospital, Mr Tom Rushe was the First Patient in Ireland to Receive Focal Therapy to Treat Prostate Cancer

Mr Mohammud Shakeel Inder, Consultant Urological Surgeon, recently spoke to Arlene Harris and the Irish Independent along with patient Mr Tom Rushe. Mr Inder and Mr Rushe were raising awareness for Prostate Cancer, treatment options, and encouraging men to get an annual prostate check.

Mr Rushe was the first patient in Ireland to receive high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) also known as focal therapy. Mr Inder performed the procedure here in Beacon Hospital last November.

Focal Therapy is a minimally invasive treatment that does not impact surrounding cells, tissues or organs. It targets the affected area with high intensity focused ultrasound energy (HIFU). The delivery of HIFU produces instant cell death through a rapid rise in intracellular temperature.

The development of Focal Therapy is an exciting benefit for patients, as this treatment decreases risks such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. It also gives patients the highest possible chance to preserve ejaculation post-treatment compared to traditional treatments such as invasive surgery or radiotherapy.

Prostate Cancer is currently the most common form of cancer in men in Ireland, with approximate 4,000 men affected annually.

Speaking to the Irish Independent Mr Rushe emphasised the importance of early detection and encouraged all men to attend annual Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Screening. He also discussed his recovery, and that following his procedure in November he had returned to cycling, hiking and swimming in February 2025.

Read the full article with Mr Inder and Mr Rushe at the Irish Independent Online.