Men in Saudi Arabia now have access to a cancer treatment that requires no knives. King Faisal Specialist Hospital (KFSH) in Riyadh has introduced a high-tech ultrasound therapy for prostate tumors. This new method kills cancer cells while keeping the rest of the body safe.
The hospital successfully performed this procedure for the first time in the Kingdom on February 24, 2026. It marks a major shift in how doctors handle early-stage cancer. Patients can now go home sooner with fewer side effects.
How This Sound Wave Technology Works
The new treatment uses High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound. Doctors often call this HIFU. It works by focusing sound waves on a tiny spot inside the body. This is similar to how a magnifying glass focuses sunlight to create heat.
The machine heats the cancer cells to a high temperature. This destroys the tumor instantly. The best part is that it happens without cutting the skin.
KFSH uses a smart robotic system to guide these sound waves.
This system combines two types of images. It uses Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and live ultrasound data. This fusion gives doctors a clear map of the prostate. They can see exactly where the tumor is hiding.
The robotic arm helps the surgeon place the probe with extreme accuracy. It ensures that only the bad tissue is targeted. The healthy tissue around the tumor remains untouched. This level of control was hard to achieve with older methods.
Why This Matters for Patients
Prostate cancer treatment often comes with difficult choices. Traditional surgery can leave lasting scars. It also carries risks for urinary and sexual health. This new sound wave therapy changes that story.
The procedure is done in a single session.
Patients do not need to stay in the hospital for days. Recovery is much faster compared to standard surgery. Men can return to their normal lives quickly.
Here is why this method is gaining popularity:
- No Incisions: There is no blood loss or risk of surgical infection.
- Precision: It spares the nerves responsible for important body functions.
- Speed: The treatment time is short and efficient.
- Comfort: Patients experience less pain after the procedure.
Doctors at KFSH report stable outcomes from early cases. The complications are very low. This is great news for patients who worry about their quality of life after cancer.
Who Can Get This Treatment
Not every cancer case is the same. This specific treatment is best for certain patients. It is designed for men with low-to-intermediate risk cancer.
The tumor must be in the early stages and confined to the prostate.
If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, other treatments are needed. Doctors urge men to get regular checkups. Finding the tumor early opens the door to these less invasive options.
The hospital plans to use Artificial Intelligence in the future. AI will help doctors predict which patients will respond best. It will also help refine the targeting process even further.
A Hub for Advanced Surgery
KFSH is not just stopping at sound waves. This achievement is part of a bigger plan. The hospital runs a Center of Excellence for Surgery. This center offers a full range of care for prostate cancer.
They provide robotic-assisted surgery for complex cases. They also offer radiation therapy and other focal treatments. The team uses a multidisciplinary model. This means experts from different fields work together on each case.
Their goal is to provide the right treatment for the right patient.
The hospital handles a high volume of cases every year. This experience leads to better clinical results. It matches the best standards found in top medical centers around the world.
Global Recognition
King Faisal Specialist Hospital has earned its place on the world stage. It is ranked as the number one hospital in the Middle East and North Africa.
Globally, it sits at 12th place among the top 250 Academic Medical Centers for 2026. Brand Finance 2025 also named it the most valuable healthcare brand in the Kingdom.
These rankings show a commitment to quality. The hospital continues to invest in the latest machines and training. They want to ensure that people in the region do not need to travel abroad for world-class care.
The introduction of HIFU is a clear sign of this leadership.
It brings hope to thousands of men and their families. As technology improves, the fight against cancer becomes more precise and less painful.
King Faisal Specialist Hospital has successfully brought a knife-free cancer treatment to Saudi Arabia. This high-intensity ultrasound therapy offers precise tumor destruction with faster recovery times. It represents a major leap forward for men’s health in the region.
