Focal therapy consultation
What is Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer?
Focal therapy presents an opportunity for targeted tumor control in patients with localized (early) prostate cancer.Using precise physical methods, only the tumor-containing tissue is selectively destroyed, resulting in reduced side effects compared to current standard therapies like complete surgical removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) or radiation therapy. High-Intensity focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is one of the most established focal therapy. Before commencing the therapy, the tumor must be precisely localized, which is achieved through MRI of the prostate and MRI-targeted prostate biopsy.
What is High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)?
During HIFU therapy, an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum at the level of the prostate. This probe delivers highly focused ultrasound waves precisely to the region of the prostate requiring treatment. This process heats and destroys the targeted tissue, effectively leading to the destruction of the prostate cancer tissue.Utilizing MRI and incorporating biopsy findings during the therapy ensures precise treatment. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically lasts between 1 to 2.5 hours, depending on the size of the treatment area. The hospital stay is usually 3 days.
Since the rest of the prostate remains untreated, it is essential to conduct regular follow-up checks. These include PSA testing, repeat MRI, and control biopsies.
Focal One device by the company edap for the treatment of prostate carcinoma using focal HIFU therapy © Company Edap (with kind permission)
What are the possible side effects?
Potential side effects following HIFU treatment may include short- or long-term bladder emptying disorders, which can often be managed with medical therapy. Additionally, patients may experience bladder irritation with frequent urination for several weeks. Notably, in untreated areas, further tumor growth may occur, even if initially undetected. Hence, close follow-up with PSA testing, MRI, and control biopsies is necessary. In case of tumor recurrence and the need for salvage therapy, e.g. radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy, the treatment outcome may be less favorable.
Which patients are suitable for HIFU?
I Prostate cancer with a maximum Gleason Score 3+4=7
I PSA ≤ 15ng/ml
I Unliteral tumor involvement in the area of the posterior prostate
I the tumor os localized within the prostate
I Existing MRI of the prostate and detection of a suspicious lesion in the MRI
I Prostate volume < 80ml
I No latex allergies
Please note that these are the main criteria to perform HIFU for prostate cancer. However, additional factors may impede HIFU treatment.
Interested in HIFU consultation?
If you have been diagnosed with localized prostate cancer and are interested in undergoing therapy using the HIFU procedure, we encourage you to contact us. We kindly ask you to send us all your medical findings (PSA, pathologist's report, biopsy results, and MRI including the CD with images). We will then schedule an appointment with you in our Focal Therapy Consultation to assess whether we can perform HIFU in your case. During the appointment, we will also provide you with detailed explanations of the procedure.
Contact:
Klinik und Poliklinik für Urologie/Department of Urology
Fokale Therapie Sprechstunde/Focal therapy consultation
Universitätsklinikum Dresden/University Hospital Dresden
Haus 27 - DINZ
Fetscherstraße 74
01307 Dresden
Tel. +49 3 51/4 58 44 47