Dr. Mehran Movassaghi treats James Port with Focal One HIFU therapy instead of a Radical Prostatectomy.
James Port was diagnosed at 72 years old with prostate cancer after an elevated PSA test was discovered in April 2023. An elevated Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. After his biopsy, it was confirmed he had stage 1 prostate cancer.
After a consultation with specialists at Saint John’s, it was determined that James did not require a major surgery. Instead, on October 10th, 2023, he underwent a minimally invasive procedure to treat the 3 lesions found on his prostate using a newer treatment called HIFU, or High Intensity Focuses Untrasound. In January of 2024, James will know if the procedure was completely successful after he does another PSA test.
“His staff is absolutely professional… it’s like you become a member of the family.”
-James Port
Many of James’ friends who had prostate cancer supported a radical prostatectomy (prostate removal), even before James met with his urologist, Dr. Movassaghi. With that in mind, James booked a surgery date with Dr. Timothy Wilson, the foremost expert in robotic prostatectomy at Saint John’s. Dr. Wilson, Professor and Chair of Urology and Urologic Oncology, explained to James that based on his case, a radical prostatectomy was “pre-mature.” Since having the prostate removed brings about its own set of issues that are life changing, it makes no sense to overtreat when it’s not necessary.
“I really tried to put in my head that this was a procedure and not a surgery.”
-James Port
Prostate cancers are slow-growing and so they may not impact the patient during his lifetime, especially when considering that prostate cancers are non-aggressive compared to other cancers. A high percentage of men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, and many may not need any treatment.
Listen to James detail his cancer journey with Focal One, HIFU
James Howard Port interviews with Saint John’s Cancer Institute in the Gloria and Jimmy Stewart Rose Garden at Saint John’s Health Center, Providence.
What is HIFU treatment for prostate cancer?
HIFU stands for High Intensity Focused Ultrasound which allows the treating urologist to view integrated, detailed 3D images of the prostate on a large monitor, draw precise contours around the diseased tissue to be treated, and ablate only that portion of the prostate. This method ensures treatment of only the areas of the prostate harboring cancer, as seen on an MRI scan, while leaving health tissue intact. HIFU is not recommended for patients with metastatic prostate cancer—disease that has spread to other parts of the body.
“[Dr. Movassaghi] may be a busy doctor, but he’s busy with his patients.”
-James Port
Advice to others from James:
- It’s important to be realistic with where you are in your life cycle.
- The doctors are there…to give you information and to give you a complete picture and then make a decision.
- The best thing you can have is a family team at home, and then the next best thing is a family team of professionals.
“He made me feel that not only was he competent but that this is what he does, and you can tell by the way he does it, that he loves it.”
-James Port
James Port’s Care Team!
Dr. Mehran Movassaghi – Assistant Professor of Urology at Saint John’s Cancer Institute, and Director of Men’s Health at Providence Saint John’s Health Center, oversees men’s health conditions, treatment plans, and surgeries. He works alongside a team of experts at the Urology Center of Excellence.