Focal therapy is a targeted approach to treating localized prostate cancer, specifically targeting and treating only the cancerous areas within the prostate while preserving healthy tissue. This treatment modality is most appropriate for patients with low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer, where the cancer is confined to specific areas of the prostate gland. Focal therapy aims to achieve cancer control while minimizing the risk of side effects associated with traditional whole-gland treatments, such as radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. If prostate cancer cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the cancer is confined to the prostate gland, focal therapy becomes an attractive treatment option for eligible patients.

Technique

Focal therapy techniques vary depending on the specific modality used, which may include:

• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

• Cryotherapy

• Focal Irreversible Electroporation (IRE)

During focal therapy, precise imaging techniques, such as multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and targeted biopsy, are used to identify and localize cancerous lesions within the prostate. Once identified, these lesions are targeted with minimally invasive energy-based treatments to destroy cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Risks and Recovery

Following focal therapy for prostate cancer, patients typically experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities within a few days. Patients will go home with a urinary catheter to help with swelling and will need it for 5-7 days. Most patients can return home on the same day as the procedure and experience a rapid recovery with minimal downtime. Regular follow-up appointments with a urologist are recommended to monitor treatment response and assess for any potential complications or recurrence.

While focal therapy is generally well-tolerated, it carries some risks and potential complications, including:

Incomplete treatment: There is a risk of residual or recurrent cancer following focal therapy, necessitating close monitoring and potential additional treatment. Additionally, the prostate is not completely removed allowing for incomplete pathologic analysis.

Urinary symptoms: Some patients may experience temporary urinary symptoms, such as frequency, urgency, or discomfort, following focal therapy.

Possible injury to surrounding tissues resulting in strictures, rectal injury and fistula formation.

Erectile dysfunction: While focal therapy aims to preserve erectile function, some patients may experience temporary or permanent erectile dysfunction following treatment.

The above is only for medical information and does not constitute medical advice. Please contact your doctor if you have any questions.