LYON, France, Mar 5, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- EDAP TMS SA (Nasdaq:EDAP), the global leader in therapeutic ultrasound, reported today its successful participation at the Third International Workshop on Focal Therapy and Imaging of Prostate and Kidney Cancer, held February 24-27, 2010 in Washington, D.C. During the high-level workshop, EDAP organized a specific Symposium, included in the official program, dedicated to Ablatherm-HIFU focal therapy for localized prostate cancer.

Pr. Christian Chaussy, from Munich, Germany, with more than 15 years of experience with Ablatherm-HIFU, moderated sessions and presented the growing interest and perspectives on the use of focal therapy for prostate cancer in Europe. Pr. Roland Van Velthoven, from Institut Bordet, Belgium, and Dr. Sebastien Crouzet, from Edouard Herriot Hospital, Lyon, France, presented promising results on focal Ablatherm-HIFU in the primary treatment of localized cancer and salvage radiotherapy.

The presentations reflected the broadening use of Ablatherm-HIFU in focal therapy in Europe and EDAP's position at the forefront of focal therapy by offering patients a controlled minimally invasive solution to prostate cancer. In the past 10 years, more than 21,000 Ablatherm-HIFU treatments have been performed worldwide. Based on their strong experience, expert physicians in Europe are now keen to adopt a more focal approach to the disease offering patients the ability to fully control their early stage prostate cancer, while minimizing side effects and improving their quality of life.

Among the growing number of prostate cancers diagnosed every year, the majority are being detected during the early, low-risk disease stage. Focal therapy will become the most adapted minimally invasive alternative to more invasive surgery and radiotherapy treatments for low risk cancers as it offers a dedicated solution before the disease progresses and requires more radical intervention.

The focal approach to prostate cancer disease is analogous to targeted breast cancer therapy which specifically treats the tumor, without requiring breast removal, to deliver positive benefits to patients at a lower cost of treatment.

Marc Oczachowski, EDAP's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Feedback from the Third International Workshop on Focal Therapy demonstrated the high level of interest and excitement surrounding HIFU as a focal approach to localized prostate cancer. In an era where we have the technologies to frequently detect early-stage, low-grade prostate cancer, a minimally invasive treatment such as focal Ablatherm-HIFU will play an increasing role in ablating a targeted tumor and in controlling the disease while reducing risks for incontinence and impotence."

Marc Oczachowski continued, "We are enthusiastic about the growing number of Ablatherm-HIFU sites adopting focal approach in Europe for the treatment of prostate cancer. Confirming the high level of interest, a clinical study was initiated in September 2009 by AFU (French Association of Urology) and includes 10 clinical centers to validate the effectiveness of Ablatherm-HIFU focal therapy and demonstrate the significant patient benefits."

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, including the uncertainties of the regulatory process, 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

CONTACT:  EDAP TMS SA
Investor Relations / Legal Affairs
Blandine Confort
+33 4 72 15 31 72
bconfort@edap-tms.com
The Ruth Group
Investors:
R.J. Pellegrino
646-536-7009
rpellegrino@theruthgroup.com
Nick Laudico
646-536-7030
nlaudico@theruthgroup.com

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