Ultrasound treatment of benign breast tumors will be tested in France. The Haute Autorité de Santé has given its approval to 12 centers.
A minimally invasive alternative to surgery. France will evaluate a treatment with focused ultrasound in the context of benign breast tumors. The technology is meant to be a breakthrough. To win this title, ultrasound will first have to prove itself in the country. On December 7, the French National Authority for Health (HAS) gave its approval to the Echopulse tests.
Several women with breast fibroadenoma will be treated with the machine. It will be compared to the surgery, used for the moment. 12 centers have received authorization to conduct the trials. They are authorized to treat 12 patients per arm – one surgery, one Echopulse – and per year. The follow-up will last 18 months. Only women under 45 will be able to join the group.
This authorization also has financial significance: the interventions will be fully covered by Health Insurance. Because the objective is to demonstrate that this approach is more cost-effective than surgery. Each year, 10,000 benign breast tumors are operated on, according to Europe 1. The cost of the Echopulse is not negligible – 1,300 euros – but the method has the advantage of not being invasive.
The effect of a magnifying glass in the sun
Echopulse offers ultrasound treatment for certain benign breast tumors: fibroadenomas. The ultrasounds in question are focused on the tissues to be eliminated, and projected at high intensity. This causes the tissues to coagulate, then their necrosis. The Theraclion laboratory compare its technology to the effect of a magnifying glass placed in front of the sun, which burns a specific area.
For the time being, these ultrasounds are recognized in two indications: breast fibroadenoma and thyroid nodules. CE marking was obtained in both cases. Another indication has already been adopted in the country: prostate cancer. Another treatment is used and evaluated by the National Cancer Institute. Again, it would be intended for low-risk patients. Several shots of ultrasound are sent to the prostate. They “cause a sudden rise in temperature in the treated area”, destroying tissue. The tests aim, in particular, to assess the long-term consequences.
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