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26 March 2010 Is cryotherapy for prostate cancer ready for prime time ?Recent technical improvements in cryotherapy delivery systems have reduced the complications of primary cryotherapy to a low and acceptable level. Using the latest generation argon-based cryoprobes, the risk of long-term incontinence defined as pad use is less than 5% and the risk of rectal fistula is 0.5% or less. These biochemical data compare quite favorably to the results of radiation therapy as a monotherapy. A recent randomized trial of cryotherapy compared with radiation therapy shows acceptable biochemical outcomes and a significantly lower rate of positive post-treatment biopsies in the cryotherapy-treated prostate cancer patients. Routine biopsies are negative in up to 87-98% of patients after one or more cryotherapy treatment. Focal cryotherapy shows promising early results with potency rates between 71 and 90%. Whole-gland cryotherapy is ready for prime time based on favorable biochemical outcomes, a high rate of negative post-treatment biopsies and a low and acceptable rate of complications. The long-term biochemical results following cryotherapy compare favorably to those achieved with radiation therapy in prostate cancer as monotherapy. The rate of negative post-treatment biopsies of the prostate appears to be higher for cryotherapy than for initial radiation therapy. Taken together, these results suggest that clinicians should consider cryotherapy as an acceptable alternative treatment to initial radiation therapy. Focal cryotherapy shows very high potency rates and warrants further investigation. NOTE: Issues on this site regarding prostate cancer and treatment options, are provided for information only, and are not meant to substitute for the advice of your own physician or other medical professional. Prostate-Report.org does not endorse any specific product, service or treatment. |
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