Nigeria has recorded a major breakthrough in cancer care with the introduction of an artificial intelligence-powered High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) system for the treatment of prostate cancer. The development marks the first time the advanced, non-invasive technology is being deployed in the country, positioning Nigeria among a small group of nations offering AI-guided prostate cancer therapy.
The new system has been installed at The Prostate Centre (TPC) in Lagos, making it the first facility in Nigeria, and across West and Central Africa, to provide AI-enabled HIFU treatment. Medical experts say the technology represents a significant step forward in improving access to world-class cancer care locally and reducing the need for patients to seek treatment abroad.
HIFU technology uses focused ultrasound waves to generate heat that precisely destroys cancerous prostate tissue without the need for surgery, radiation or incisions. The integration of artificial intelligence enhances accuracy by mapping the prostate in real time, identifying affected areas and guiding treatment delivery with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
According to specialists, the AI-powered system is designed to operate with a high level of automation. Once the target area is confirmed, the system delivers treatment with real-time monitoring and automatically stops when the cancerous tissue has been effectively neutralised. This approach significantly reduces human error and improves treatment outcomes.
Medical professionals involved in the deployment say the technology offers key benefits for patients, including shorter recovery times, fewer side effects and reduced risk of complications such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, which are often associated with conventional prostate cancer treatments.
The introduction of the AI-powered HIFU system comes at a time when prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers among Nigerian men. Health experts believe the availability of advanced treatment options within the country will encourage early diagnosis and improve survival rates.
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Healthcare stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a milestone in Nigeria’s adoption of advanced medical technologies. They note that the move aligns with broader efforts to strengthen the healthcare system through innovation, local capacity building and the use of artificial intelligence in clinical practice.
As awareness grows and more patients gain access to the technology, experts say AI-driven HIFU treatment could play a transformative role in prostate cancer management in Nigeria, setting a new standard for precision medicine in the region.
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Ugochukwu is a freelance journalist and Editor at AIbase.ng, with a strong professional focus on investigative reporting. He holds a degree in Mass Communication and brings extensive experience in news gathering, reporting, and editorial writing. With over a decade of active engagement across diverse news sources, he contributes in-depth analytical, practical, and expository articles that explore artificial intelligence and its real-world impact. His seasoned newsroom experience and well-established information networks provide AIbase.ng with credible, timely, and high-quality coverage of emerging AI developments.