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Nature Clinical Practice Review Article Supports Routine Ablatherm-HIFU Treatment For Prostate Diseases

Published: May 18, 2005

LYON, France, May 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- EDAP TMS S.A. , is pleased to report the issue of an article written by Pr. Christian Chaussy, from Harlaching Hospital, Munich, Germany, in partnership with other key European Centers in the April 2005 issue of Nature Clinical Practice, reviewing the literature on HIFU from January 1997 to February 2005.

The article, which highlights results obtained from four Ablatherm(R)-HIFU sites in Europe, confirms Ablatherm-HIFU treatment is a valuable option for patients with localized prostate cancer and those with a local recurrence after external beam radiation treatment. Presently, according to the review, HIFU is a promising technology for a number of urological cancers, but is only significantly used for prostate cancer treatment. The technology is in daily use at practices in Europe.

Success rates reported by these four clinical sites based on negative biopsies ranged from 80 to 93.4 percent. The drop of the PSA rate to its nadir level was generally observed at three to four months post treatment, which is significantly earlier compared to other treatment options. A lower occurrence of recorded side effects, (mainly impotence and incontinence), combined with a high efficacy rate as measured by follow-up PSA screenings, clearly places Ablatherm-HIFU in the front line of non-invasive therapies.

Hugues de Bantel, Chief Executive Officer of EDAP TMS, commented: "The article in Nature showing comparable results in four different centers in Europe is an excellent report for patients with prostate cancer who choose Ablatherm-HIFU treatment. These results confirm that Ablatherm-HIFU, thanks to its sustained outcome at five years, combined with a good preservation of quality of life, is now considered as a routine treatment. We must now continue to develop awareness among the doctor and patient community of this effective and preferable treatment method as well as gain greater reimbursement approval to make this option available to a wider range or eligible patients."

Professor Christian Chaussy, Head of the Urology Department at Harlaching Hospital, Munich, added: "The invitation by one of the most recognized journals for urology to publish a review article about HIFU based on the European experiences demonstrates the acceptance of this new minimally invasive technology for the treatment of Prostate Cancer. It shows the international interest in this treatment modality, which proved its efficacy in long time follow-up studies during the last 10 years in an increasing number of prostate cancer centers. HIFU adds to the armamentarium for the battle against prostate cancer and provides additional opportunities and benefits for the suffering patient -- hopefully soon on a worldwide basis."

About EDAP TMS S.A.

EDAP TMS S.A. 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. The company is also developing this technology for the treatment of certain other types of tumors. EDAP TMS S.A. also produces and commercializes medical equipment for treatment of urinary tract stones using Extra-corporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL).

For more information on the Company, contact the Investor Relations Dept by phone at +33 (0)4 78 26 40 46 or see the Company's Web site at: http://www.edap-tms.com/ .

This press release contains, in addition to historical information, 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 the 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.

CONTACT: EDAP TMS S.A. Hugues de Bantel - Philippe Chauveau Blandine Confort +33 4 78 26 40 46 Halliburton Investor Relations Matt Kreps - Geralyn DeBusk 972 458 8000

EDAP TMS S.A.

CONTACT: Hugues de Bantel, Philippe Chauveau or Blandine Confort, all ofEDAP TMS S.A., +33-4-78-26-40-46; or Matt Kreps or Geralyn DeBusk, both ofHalliburton Investor Relations, +1-972-458-8000, for EDAP TMS S.A.

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