Focal Therapy: A More Precise Approach to Treating Prostate Cancer?
Focal therapy is an innovative minimally invasive treatment designed to target prostate cancer with greater precision. Unlike traditional approaches, which involve treating the entire prostate gland, focal therapy focuses on the specific area affected by cancer thereby minimising the impact of treatment on surrounding healthy tissues.
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What is Focal Therapy?
Focal therapy advanced imaging to precisely treat the cancerous area within the prostate. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), freezing or “Cryotherapy”, and Irreversible Electoporation (IRE) or “Nanoknife” are methods employed to destroy the cancerous area without significantly affecting the rest of the gland. This approach is most suitable for patients with localised prostate cancer in a single area of the gland and has not spread beyond the gland.
Benefits of Focal Therapy
- Minimally Invasive: Unlike traditional prostate surgery, focal therapy is less invasive and often performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can go home the same day.
- Reduced Side Effects: Because the treatment targets only the cancerous tissue, it reduces the risk of side effects such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction thereby maintaining urinary and sexual health.
- Quick Recovery: Focal therapy generally involves shorter recovery times compared to radical treatments. Patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days.
Who is Eligible for Focal Therapy?
Men with smaller non-aggressive cancers affecting only one area of the gland and confined to the gland are typically eligible for focal therapy to determine the precise location and extent of cancer within the prostate will be determined by an MRI scan to assess whether focal therapy is a viable treatment option and which energy type to use.
How healthXY Can Help
At healthXY, we are committed to offering our patients the latest advancements in prostate cancer care. Although we do not offer focal therapy, we are happy to advise on the suitability for this treatment and recommend other specialists. Our approach is centred on providing personalised care, where treatment plans are tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient.
Your Journey Towards Prostate Health
We understand that a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. At healthXY, we strive to empower our patients with knowledge and choices. Focal therapy represents a step forward in personalised cancer treatment, giving patients an effective option to treat prostate cancer while maintaining a high quality of life.
If you would like to learn more about focal therapy or discuss your treatment options with one of our specialists, please get in touch with healthXY today. We are here to support you every step of the way towards better health and well-being.
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