high-intensity focused ultrasound therapy
(hy-in-TEN-sih-tee FOH-kust UL-truh-sownd THAYR-uh-pee)
A procedure in which high-energy sound waves are aimed directly at an area of abnormal cells or tissue in the body. The waves create heat that kills the cells. High-intensity focused ultrasound therapy is being studied in the treatment of prostate cancer and some other types of cancer and other diseases. Also called HIFU.