Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and it is estimated that 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with it at some point in their lives.

While prostate cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy, these treatments may come with side effects that can significantly impact the quality of life. Fortunately, a new treatment called focal therapy is offering hope for prostate cancer patients.

What is Focal Therapy?

Focal therapy is a new treatment for prostate cancer that targets only the cancerous areas of the prostate gland, leaving the healthy tissue intact.

The procedure involves using high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, or laser ablation to destroy the cancer cells in the prostate.

The advantage of focal therapy is that it is less invasive than traditional treatments like surgery and radiation therapy, and it can be completed in a shorter amount of time.

Additionally, because only the cancerous areas of the prostate are targeted, the risk of side effects like incontinence and erectile dysfunction is reduced.

How Does Focal Therapy Work?

Focal therapy works by using imaging techniques like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound to identify the cancerous areas of the prostate.

Once the areas have been identified, HIFU, cryotherapy, or laser ablation is used to target and destroy them.

During the procedure, a probe is inserted into the rectum, and high-energy ultrasound waves or extreme cold or lasers are used to destroy the cancer cells.

The procedure is guided by real-time imaging, and the targeted areas can be treated with precision.

Who is a Candidate for Focal Therapy?

Focal therapy may be recommended for men with low to intermediate-risk prostate cancer. It is not recommended for men with high-risk prostate cancer or for those with cancer that has spread outside of the prostate gland.

Benefits of Focal Therapy

There are many benefits to focal therapy for prostate cancer, including:.

Less invasive than surgery or radiation therapy;
Reduced risk of side effects like incontinence and erectile dysfunction;
Shorter treatment time;
Preservation of healthy prostate tissue;
Improved quality of life;
Reduced risk of cancer recurrence.

Possible Side Effects of Focal Therapy

Possible side effects of focal therapy may include:.

Urinary incontinence;
Erectile dysfunction;
Difficulty emptying the bladder;
Blood in the urine or semen;
Infection;
Damage to surrounding tissues;
Cancer recurrence.

Conclusion

Focal therapy offers a promising new treatment option for men with prostate cancer. Compared to traditional treatments, it is less invasive, offers a shorter treatment time, and reduces the risk of side effects.

While the procedure does come with some possible side effects, they are generally less severe than those associated with surgery or radiation therapy.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, consider talking to your doctor about focal therapy and whether it may be a good treatment option for you.