High-intensity focused ultrasound for the treatment of renal masses: current status and future potential

Purpose of review To outline the current status of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) for the treatment of renal tumors. Recent findings Application of extracorporeal HIFU for renal tumors is well tolerated with no serious perioperative complications. However, the techniques available do not permit sufficient tumor destruction that can be considered as an alternative to surgical extirpation. Laparoscopic HIFU avoids problems with respiratory movement and interphases and may achieve a greater rate of tumor destruction. Summary At the current time, HIFU of renal tumors has to be considered an experimental treatment approach. Prospective evaluation of laparoscopic HIFU is necessary to evaluate its oncologic efficacy.