Advanced Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer
At the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, we are dedicated to providing patients with innovative, minimally invasive options for treating prostate cancer. Traditional prostate cancer treatments often involve removing or irradiating the entire prostate, which can lead to significant side effects.
Focal therapy offers an alternative approach, targeting only cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy prostate as possible. This can significantly reduce complications and improve quality of life for patients.Our team of experts combines cutting-edge technology with years of experience to offer personalized care and treatment plans, helping you navigate your prostate cancer journey with confidence and peace of mind.
What is Focal Therapy?
Focal therapy is a precision-based treatment strategy that targets only the cancerous portion of the prostate, preserving the healthy areas. This approach contrasts with radical treatments like prostatectomy (removal of the entire prostate) or full-gland radiation, which affect the entire organ. By focusing treatment solely on the tumor or specific areas of the prostate, focal therapy minimizes damage to surrounding structures such as the bladder, urethra, and nerves that control urinary and sexual function.
Advanced imaging techniques, including MRI fusion-guided biopsy, allow us to accurately map the location of cancerous lesions and develop a highly targeted treatment plan. This personalized approach ensures optimal cancer control while minimizing risks associated with conventional treatments.
Benefits of Focal Therapy
- Minimally Invasive: Focal therapies are performed using advanced imaging and precision technology, allowing for treatments through small incisions or even non-invasive methods.
- Precision Targeting: Unlike radical prostatectomy or whole-gland radiation, focal therapy treats only the cancerous part of the prostate, sparing the surrounding healthy tissue. This precision greatly reduces the risk of damaging critical structures involved in urinary continence and sexual function.
- Lower Risk of Side Effects: Focal therapy’s selective approach significantly lowers the risk of long-term side effects such as erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence, and bowel complications, which are more common in traditional prostate cancer treatments.
- Quicker Recovery Time: Most focal therapy procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day and resume normal activities within days to weeks, depending on the treatment modality.
- Repeatable Treatment Options: Because focal therapy targets specific areas, it can be repeated if necessary, making it a flexible option if new or recurrent cancer is detected.
Types of Focal Therapy We Offer
We offer several types of focal therapy, each using a different mechanism to destroy cancerous cells while preserving healthy tissue. Depending on your diagnosis and specific cancer characteristics, we will recommend the most suitable option for you.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
HIFU uses high-frequency sound waves to generate heat that destroys cancer cells. Guided by real-time imaging, the ultrasound waves focus precisely on the targeted area, sparing the surrounding tissue. HIFU is non-invasive and often performed as an outpatient procedure. It is an effective option for early-stage, localized prostate cancer.
Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) – NanoKnife®
Irreversible electroporation, also known as IRE or NanoKnife, uses electrical pulses to create tiny, permanent pores in the cancer cell membranes, leading to cell death. Unlike other therapies that rely on heat or cold, IRE leaves the extracellular matrix and nerves intact, reducing the risk of scarring and nerve damage. This makes IRE an excellent option for treating tumors near sensitive structures, preserving both urinary and sexual function. It’s a newer, promising technique for patients seeking to preserve prostate function while effectively managing cancer.
Who is a Candidate for Focal Therapy?
Focal therapy is particularly suitable for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer that is confined to a specific area within the prostate. It is ideal for patients who:
- Have localized cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate.
- Want to avoid the risks associated with radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy.
- Prioritize preserving sexual function and urinary continence.
- Are interested in a treatment with minimal recovery time and fewer long-term side effects.
Advanced diagnostic tools, including multi-parametric MRI and targeted biopsy, help us assess whether focal therapy is right for you. Each patient’s case is thoroughly reviewed by our multidisciplinary team to ensure the most appropriate treatment plan.
Our Expertise in Prostate Cancer Care
We pride ourselves on offering the latest, evidence-based treatments for prostate cancer. Our team is made up of leading urologists, radiologists, and oncologists, all of whom have extensive experience in the field of focal therapy. We continually stay at the forefront of research and technology to ensure our patients receive the most effective, personalized care.
- Advanced Imaging Techniques: We utilize MRI fusion-guided biopsies and real-time imaging during procedures to ensure precise targeting and treatment of cancerous tissues.
- Innovative Technologies: Our clinic is equipped with the latest focal therapy devices, including HIFU, and NanoKnife IRE.
- Patient-Centered Care: We understand that each patient’s experience with prostate cancer is unique. Our personalized approach ensures that your treatment plan is tailored to your specific needs, goals, and lifestyle.
Your Journey with Us
From your first consultation through diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment care, we are here to support you every step of the way. We provide:
- Comprehensive Evaluations: Our consultations include in-depth discussions about your diagnosis, lifestyle, and goals for treatment. We use the most advanced diagnostic tools to create a detailed map of your prostate and cancerous tissue.
- Personalized Treatment Plans: Based on your unique diagnosis, we offer a variety of focal therapy options to ensure the best possible outcome with minimal side effects.
- Ongoing Follow-Up Care: After treatment, we provide regular monitoring using PSA tests and imaging to ensure your cancer remains under control. If additional treatment is necessary, we are equipped to respond quickly.