Prostate Cancer in men has in the past been treated with invasive surgical procedures in addition to chemotherapy and radiation. Today, Focal Therapy is a new approach to the treatment of small localized prostate cancers offering patients a targeted treatment strategy while minimizing the impact to their bodies. The benefits of focal therapy include the preservation of non cancerous prostate tissue, the ability to efficiently treat prostate cancers on an outpatient basis allowing patients to be home rather than the hospital. At the Angeles Clinic and Research Institute Prostate and Men’s Cancer Center Focal Therapy is available to our patients and approached in one of four methods.
- NanoKnife: A new device used to send electricity through a tumor to destroy cancerous tissue under the guidance of a CT scan.
- Focal Cryoablation: Using a very small needle a solution is injected around the tumor causing it to freeze and destroy the cancerous tissue while preserving the healthy surrounding areas of the prostate.
- High-intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): This method is one of the least invasive treatment options available for prostate cancer. Soundwaves are focused and passed through the tumor under the guidance of an MRI allowing the ability to visualize the destruction of the tumor in real time. This method is becoming more attractive to patients as it has very few side effects and there is little to no discomfort involved during the procedure.
- Photodynamic Therapy: This method is currently a clinical trial that involves the injection of a drug through very small fibers that are placed within the prostate. The drug then reacts to a specially colored light causing the destruction of the cancerous tissue where it was placed.
The follow up course of care after focal therapy includes assessing your physical recovery following the procedure, laboratory work to trend your Prostate Surface Antigen levels (PSA blood test) and additional imaging to visualize the elimination of the tumor and quality of the remaining prostate tissue. Should the cancer return or any other problems arise our team of expert Urologists, Surgeons and Clinical staff are able to offer multiple treatment options following Focal Therapy.
Whether you are a current patient or seeking an appointment with a specialist here for the first time, our staff is ready to assist.