High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a new method of treating solid tumours by thermally ablating them. It has been used in a number of different types of cancers but there is little information on its use in invasive breast cancer (IBC). The investigators aim to assess the efficacy and safety of HIFU in the treatment of IBC. In this study, fifteen otherwise healthy women diagnosed with small, early stage IBC will be treated with HIFU prior to conventional surgical treatment. The effects of HIFU on the resected tumour will be analysed pathologically and correlated with radiological findings. Immune response and participant experience will also be evaluated
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
15
Breast cancer will be ablated using high intensity frequency ultrasound prior to breast surgery
To evaluate the efficacy of the HIFU treatment in achieving cancer ablation
Volume of tumour ablation on histological examination of the surgically excised specimen expressed as a percentage of pretreatment tumour volume on MRI scan.
Time frame: 1 month following intervention
To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of post-HIFU MRI in assessing HIFU efficacy when compared with histological evaluation of the resected specimen
Volume of tumour ablation on histological examination of the surgically excised specimen and volume of tumour ablation on post-treatment MRI expressed as a percentages of pretreatment tumour volume on MRI scan.
Time frame: 1 month following intervention
Assessment of the safety and toxicity of HIFU ablation
Using the Common Toxicity Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAC) Grading Guideline (which scores any occurring adverse events with grades between 1 to 5, where higher grades indicate worse outcomes)
Time frame: 1 month following intervention
To evaluate patient acceptance of HIFU treatment
Using 1 to 1 qualitative interviews with participants.
Time frame: 1 month following intervention
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.