prostate-report.org

Pathology of prostate cancer and focal therapy

By definition, focal therapy of the prostate is prostate gland ablation aiming at eradication of unifocal low-risk prostate cancer, and preserving uninvolved (peri-) prostatic tissue and therefore quality of life.

The technology needed to ablate small regions or sectors of the prostate harboring a known cancer is rapidly becoming available. Cryotherapy is already being used and the preliminary data are encouraging, Ultrasound-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), photodynamic therapy using newly developed light-sensitizing agents, and MRI-guided HIFU are all promising new tools.

The major arguments against focal therapy can be classified under the multifocality. Indeed, 85% of all prostate cancer cases are multifocal. These concerns can be offset by additional testing: another biopsy, especially a transperineal mapping biopsy, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate.