Vietnam has US-HIFU technique to treat tumors non-invasively

On the afternoon of April 12, Thien An Obstetrics Hospital held a conference to introduce the new US-HIFU technique - non-invasive treatment of tumors using high-intensity focused ultrasound waves under ultrasound guidance.

Breakthrough effectiveness of new technique in tumor treatment

Ms. Pham Thi HT (29 years old) has multiple uterine fibroids (the largest tumor is nearly 5cm) and is one of the first patients to treat tumors using US-HIFUS-HIFU technique.

Less than a day after treatment, she was able to walk and do her daily activities as usual. The results of the follow-up examination after 1 month showed that the fibroid tumor, which was nearly 5cm in size, had reduced to 2cm. This was an extremely positive result, giving her more hope in her journey to find her beloved child.

The oldest patient treated with this method was an 85-year-old male patient with a 2cm primary tumor. This case was a Vietnamese living in the US who chose to return to Vietnam for treatment with this method. After more than 1 hour of intervention, the patient's tumor shrank, his health improved very well and he returned to the US to live.

US-HIFU technology has been deployed in 33 countries and territories around the world and has proven to be outstandingly effective in the treatment process.

Commenting on cases of uterine fibroid treatment with US-HIFU like Ms. HT, Professor Nguyen Viet Tien said that the most important thing is that the patient retains the uterus and the patient's ability to give birth is maintained. Compared to previous open surgery or laparoscopic surgery, the uterus must be incised. After removing the tumor, even if it is sutured, the uterine muscles will still be weak. In some cases, when pregnant, the uterus enlarges and the surgical site ruptures.

Professor, Dr. Nguyen Viet Tien, former Deputy Minister of Health, said that the process of treating tumors with high-intensity focused ultrasound waves under ultrasound guidance (US-HIFU) is performed without the use of deep anesthesia, without the use of a knife, during the treatment the patient remains awake, does not bleed, is painless and can be discharged after 1 day, even on the same day.

Patients treated tumors with non-invasive methods.

Non-invasive treatment of tumors with high-intensity focused ultrasound under ultrasound guidance (US-HIFU) has a breakthrough effect in the treatment of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cesarean scar pregnancy, breast tumors... other benign and malignant tumors in soft tissue, liver, kidney, pancreas, bone, breast... However, there are still some cases that cannot be applied such as brain tumors, lung tumors with fluid and gas.

"US-HIFU application helps patients improve their quality of life and longevity thanks to its advantages: Non-invasive surgery, organ preservation, organ function restoration, fertility preservation, shortening hospital stay, and treatment of large tumors..." - Professor Nguyen Viet Tien said.

Moving towards replicating this treatment model nationwide

In October 2024, Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital successfully received the transfer of non-invasive tumor treatment techniques using high-intensity focused ultrasound waves under ultrasound guidance (US-HIFU) and became the first medical unit in Vietnam to possess this advanced technique.

On November 1, 2024, the Ministry of Health 's Appraisal Team inspected and evaluated the HIFU JC300 system installed at Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. The Ministry of Health approved Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital to deploy a new technique never before seen in Vietnam to pilot on the first 20 patients treated for tumors with US-HIFU to have a basis for evaluation before deploying this technique routinely.

After nearly 2 months of pilot implementation, Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital was officially licensed to implement the treatment of tumors using US-HIFU technique in medical examination and treatment according to Decision No. 3955/QD-BYT dated December 27, 2024 of the Minister of Health.

Professor, Dr. Tran Van Thuan - Deputy Minister of Health spoke at the conference.

Professor, Dr. Tran Van Thuan - Deputy Minister of Health assessed that the launch of the US-HIFU high-intensity focused ultrasound tumor treatment technique is a clear demonstration of the continuous development of the country's medicine.

"The successful implementation of US-HIFU technique is not only an important medical achievement but also demonstrates the determination of the medical industry in applying high technology to disease diagnosis and treatment.

US-HIFU technology is also a breakthrough, marking a change in tumor treatment in Vietnam, helping people easily access advanced techniques on par with the world's leading powers. Instead of having to go abroad with expensive medical and travel costs, patients can receive care and treatment domestically at a much lower cost with equivalent treatment effectiveness."

From November 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025, Thien An Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital has treated 100 cases, including 55 cases of uterine fibroids, 41 cases of uterine adenomyosis, 2 cases of abdominal endometriosis, 1 case of breast fibroids, and 1 case of liver cancer. All patients had no complications after treatment and recovered quickly.

The results of re-examination after one month in many patients showed that the tumor volume had significantly decreased by more than 60% for uterine fibroids and more than 80% for uterine adenomyosis. Symptoms of abdominal pain, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, menorrhagia, hemorrhage, etc. caused by large tumors in the past were also greatly reduced.

US-HIFU technology is also a breakthrough, marking a change in tumor treatment in Vietnam.

In particular, this technique can also help some patients with uterine fibroids or endometriosis have the opportunity to get pregnant naturally after treatment.

Professor Nguyen Viet Tien said that the cost of this method in Vietnam is much cheaper than in other countries in the region. The treatment results are also very positive, with many cases of tumors decreasing in size or disappearing completely after 1-2 years.

In order for this method of treating tumors with high-intensity focused ultrasound (US-HIFU) under ultrasound guidance to be truly applied effectively and to maximize its inherent advantages, Deputy Minister of Health Tran Van Thuan requested that hospitals and medical facilities actively approach, improve training capacity, transfer technology and invest in necessary equipment. The Ministry of Health is committed to creating all favorable conditions to support units in researching, implementing and replicating this treatment model nationwide.

Source: https://nhandan.vn/viet-nam-da-co-ky-thuat-us-hifu-dieu-tri-cac-khoi-u-khong-xam-lan-post871943.html