LYON, France, Jun 18, 2009 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- EDAP TMS SA (Nasdaq:EDAP), the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, announced today that its High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology was showcased at the 2nd Annual International Workshop on Focal Therapy and Imaging in Prostate Kidney Cancer. The event was held June 10-13, 2009 in The Netherlands. Focal therapy has the potential to offer cancer patients a targeted, less invasive course of treatment with fewer side effects.

The annual gathering of medical and scientific communities is organized by the Departments of Urology at DUKE University and AMC Amsterdam. The event allows researchers, clinical users and device manufacturers to learn about state-of-the-art developments of focal therapy and its potential implementation in clinical practice as a targeted treatment for prostate and kidney cancers.

Ablatherm-HIFU was highlighted as a potentially ideal, minimally invasive focal therapy option for the treatment of prostate cancer in two presentations at the workshop:

  * The session titled "Is HIFU the Ideal Tool for Focal PCa Therapy?
    From Theory to Practice," enabled a large group of urologists to
    observe virtual demonstrations; assess the technology's robotized
    approach and ease of use; and evaluate patient benefits associated
    with minimally invasive, focal therapy. The session was chaired
    by Dr. Andreas Blana, University of Regensburg, Germany and
    Dr. John Ward, Assistant Professor, Department of Urology and a
    Prinicipal Investigator of the U.S. ENLIGHT clinical trial at
    M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.

  * Dr. Barret, a member of Professor Vallancien's team from the
    Institut Mutualiste Monsouris in Paris, presented an abstract
    that received the award for best poster at the workshop.
    Ablatherm-HIFU treatment outcomes from a feasibility study in
    localized prostate cancer patients indicated that HIFU was safe
    and well-tolerated, with no events of urinary incontinence and
    only minor morbidities. The conclusion of the poster was that
    focal HIFU is a viable treatment for a select population of men
    with localized prostate cancer, and that repeat HIFU treatments
    are an option in the event of recurrence or new cancers. Results
    from the feasibility study included patients treated between 1997
    and 2000 and the study has a 10-year follow-up period.

Marc Oczachowski, EDAP's Chief Executive Officer, said, "The workshop was a great success for EDAP and served as an excellent means to directly address physician interest in Ablatherm-HIFU technology as a leader in the cutting edge focal therapy approach. Importantly, the event confirmed that the new trend and future in the treatment of prostate cancer is focal therapy. We are enthusiastic and very excited that HIFU technology is recognized as the best adapted technology and clear leader in focal ablation. As the worldwide leader in HIFU for Prostate Cancer, we believe we are extremely well positioned and will benefit from this positive and new trend towards a minimally invasive and focal approach."

About EDAP TMS SA

EDAP TMS SA develops and markets Ablatherm, the most advanced and clinically proven choice for high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment of localized prostate cancer. HIFU treatment is shown to be a minimally invasive and effective treatment option with a low occurrence of side effects. Ablatherm-HIFU is generally recommended for patients with localized prostate cancer (stages T1-T2) who are not candidates for surgery or who prefer an alternative option, or for patients who failed radiotherapy treatment. Approved in Europe as a treatment for prostate cancer, Ablatherm-HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is currently undergoing evaluation in a multicenter U.S. Phase II/III clinical trial under an Investigational Device Exemption granted by the FDA, the ENLIGHT U.S. clinical study. The Company also is developing this technology for the potential treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS SA also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using extra-corporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL). For more information on the company, please visit http://www.edap-tms.com, http://www.hifu-planet.com and http://www.pcaresearch.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. These include statements regarding the company's growth and expansion plans. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to a number of uncertainties and risks that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, those described in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Ablatherm-HIFU treatment is in clinical trials, but not FDA-approved or marketed in the United States.

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: EDAP TMS SA

EDAP TMS SA
          Investor Relations/Legal Affairs
          Blandine Confort
          +33 4 72 15 31 72
          bconfort@edap-tms.com

          The Ruth Group
          Investors:
          Nick Laudico
            646-536-7030
            nlaudico@theruthgroup.com
          R.J. Pellegrino
            646-536-7009
            rpellegrino@theruthgroup.com

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