Nigeria gets first AI-powered HIFU system for prostate cancer

The Prostate Centre (TPC) has become the first medical facility in Nigeria, West and Central Africa, to introduce High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) for prostate cancer treatment, marking a significant milestone in the country’s fight against the disease.

The AI-powered HIFU system delivers precise ultrasound energy directly to cancerous cells in the prostate, destroying them without affecting surrounding tissue. The procedure is entirely non-invasive, requiring no incisions, and patients can go home the same day.

Prof. Kingsley Ekwueme, a consultant urological, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeon at TPC, described the technology as small but mighty, explaining that the system is fully automated and guided by artificial intelligence.

Once the targeted treatment area is identified, a single click initiates the procedure. Real-time colour changes on the system’s display show when the cancer has been fully eradicated, after which the machine automatically shuts off.

“This is focal therapy at its finest. We can completely eradicate the cancer while leaving the prostate intact, preserving erectile function and fertility. Patients experience no incontinence, minimal discomfort, and can return to their daily activities the same day,” Ekwueme said.

HIFU represents a major advancement over traditional treatments for prostate cancer, which often carry risks of urinary leakage, loss of sexual function, and reduced fertility. With the AI-powered system, these complications are largely eliminated, offering patients a safer and more comfortable alternative. The introduction of HIFU follows other groundbreaking innovations by TPC this year, including robotic surgery and UroLift therapy for an enlarged prostate.

According to Ekwueme, extensive training of the Nigerian medical team ensures safe, expert delivery of this cutting-edge therapy, eliminating the need for patients to travel abroad for advanced treatment.

As Nigeria embraces AI-driven healthcare solutions, the HIFU system at The Prostate Centre signals a new era in cancer treatment, combining precision, safety, and patient-centred care in one innovative package.

“Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Our goal is to ensure Nigerian men have access to world-class care locally, at an affordable cost. This is a historic moment for medical care in Nigeria and a step forward in reducing the burden of prostate cancer across Africa,” Ekwueme affirmed.