SUG

Focal Therapy

Focal therapy is a minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer that targets only the cancerous areas within the prostate gland while sparing healthy tissue.

 

Focal therapy involves using advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or PSMA PET scan, to identify and precisely locate cancerous lesions within the prostate gland. Once the lesions are identified, focal laser ablation (FLA) is used to destroy the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This approach allows for effective cancer treatment with fewer side effects and faster recovery times compared to traditional treatments.

 

 

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Our approach to Focal Therapy

Key features of focal therapy:

Unlike traditional treatments like surgery or radiation therapy, which can affect the entire prostate gland and surrounding structures, focal therapy aims to preserve urinary and sexual function by precisely targeting and destroying cancerous lesions.

  • Preservation of Quality of Life: Focal therapy aims to minimize the side effects commonly associated with traditional treatments, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, by preserving healthy prostate tissue and function.
  • Reduced Treatment Morbidity: Patients undergoing focal therapy typically experience fewer side effects and complications compared to radical treatments like surgery or whole-gland radiation therapy.
  • Targeted Treatment: Focal therapy offers precise targeting of cancerous lesions within the prostate gland, leading to cancer control while minimizing damage to surrounding structures.
  • Repeatable and Salvageable: In cases where cancer recurrence occurs following focal therapy, additional treatments or interventions may still be possible while preserving treatment options such as surgery or radiation therapy.

Focal fig 1

Figure 1 – Pre-treatment MRI showing left apical lesion (circled in yellow)

Focal fig 2

Figure 2 – Post-treatment MRI showing ablated prostate tissue (circled in yellow). 

Our experience with Focal Therapy

Focal therapy may be an appropriate treatment option for patients with localized prostate cancer who desire a balance between cancer control and preservation of quality of life.

Factors such as the size and location of the cancerous lesions, prostate size, and patient preferences will be considered when determining if focal therapy is the right choice for you. Dr. Mehan is currently an investigator for a clinical trial at investigating the use of focal laser ablation for localised prostate cancer.

 

Our approach to patient care

At Sydney Urology Group we provide a multidisciplinary, patient-centred model of care with our purpose to improve the quality of life for our patients and for the friends and families who are supporting them.

Our approach to patient care

At Sydney Urology Group we provide a multidisciplinary, patient-centred model of care with our purpose to improve the quality of life for our patients and for the friends and families who are supporting them.

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