October 19, 2026
When it came to Chris’ chances of developing prostate cancer, the genetic odds were stacked against him. Between his father having prostate cancer and his paternal grandmother having breast cancer, Chris’ likelihood of developing the disease was up to five times higher than normal.
Attentive to his health, Chris always got regular medical checkups. As he grew older, his prostate specific antigen (PSA) score began to rise. PSA is a protein made by the prostate and its level is measured through a blood test. Chris says he began monitoring his PSA levels in his late 40s and early 50s. But when his PSA score jumped several points to just over nine, he was advised to see a urologist and selected Lehigh Valley Physician Group (LVPG)–Urology.
Historically, a PSA level of four is considered the maximum for a normal result, but every man’s circumstances and genetic history normally make for a more nuanced approach to monitoring. Doctors also look at PSA levels over time. A higher PSA level does not automatically mean prostate cancer because there can be other causes for an increased number, such as benign prostate enlargement or a urinary tract infection or irritation.
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network advises starting PSA testing discussions with your doctor around 45, and sooner if, like Chris, you have risk factors such as a close genetic relative who had the disease.
A biopsy last year confirmed Chris, 62, of Lower Milford Township, Lehigh County, had prostate cancer. A variety of scans showed no cancer elsewhere in his body.
Through LVPG Urology, Chris discussed his options with physician assistant Mark Voyack. One of his choices was robotically assisted, noninvasive, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). HIFU is one of several prostate cancer treatment options under an umbrella known as focal therapy.
“HIFU is a great additional option, for the right candidate, outside of radiation or complete removal of the prostate,” Voyack says.
Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN), part of Jefferson Health, was the first in the Lehigh Valley to offer HIFU. Since May 2023, LVHN surgeons have performed 55 HIFU procedures for prostate cancer. Voyack says LVHN having HIFU as an option for men with prostate cancer shows the health network is at the forefront of cancer care and dedicated to the people it serves.
Offering a low occurrence of side effects such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction, HIFU uses an ultrasound probe to scan your prostate and deliver high-intensity sound waves to a targeted area — similar to how a magnifying glass can focus light rays to burn a leaf.
The probe is inserted into the rectum and doesn’t require an incision. The magnitude of ultrasound energy delivered rapidly raises the temperature at the focal point, causing cell damage and cell death, without damaging healthy tissue and structures outside the targeted area.
HIFU, approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the U.S. since 2015, isn’t for every prostate cancer patient.
Much depends on the size and location of the cancer, says Angelo Baccala, MD, Chief, Division of Urology, and Deputy Physician-in-Chief for Lehigh Valley Institute for Surgical Excellence. Dr. Baccala performed Chris’ HIFU procedure in June 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital–17th Street. The outpatient technique lasted about 90 minutes.
In Chris’ case, HIFU was able to destroy the cancer cells without affecting healthy prostate tissue or the urethra, which runs through the middle of the prostate. The prostate, part of the male reproductive system, is about the size of a walnut and is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
“Chris was a perfect candidate for this,” Dr. Baccala says. “He had fantastic results and his PSA immediately dropped to 1.6.”
A year after his procedure, Chris remains cancer free and has experienced no side effects. An avid fly fisherman, he’s happy to have prostate cancer behind him and be back in the water enjoying his life.
“I feel good. I’m excited. My PSA levels are low and in the normal range,” he says. “We’ll check things every year and we’ll stay on top of it.”
