Focal Laser Ablation in Prostate Cancer
Researchers have shown that selectively destroying cancerous prostate tissue may be as effective as complete prostate removal or radiation therapy, while preserving more sexual and urinary function than these other treatments. The study was published by Wasler et al in the Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology.
Aggressive treatments such as prostatetectomy or radiation therapy, which can treat prostate cancer effectively, can also result in difficulty with urinary and sexual functions for patients. Eric Walser, MD, lead author of the trial, helped to establish a less invasive method of targeting and removing only the cancerous prostate tissue called focal laser ablation. This outpatient procedure is associated with a quick recovery and little pain, and it preserves erectile and urinary functions.
“Focal laser ablation offers men more peace of mind than active surveillance or ‘watchful waiting,’ the traditional alternative to radical treatment,” said Dr. Walser. “Focal laser ablation pairs magnetic resonance imaging to identify cancer-suspicious areas in the prostate and advanced laser technology to remove it completely, with virtually no risk of impotence or incontinence.”
Study Results
In 120 men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer treated with focal laser ablation, 17% needed additional cancer treatment after 1 year, with no noticeable change in quality of life or urinary function. In a small group of men who underwent a more aggressive focal laser ablation, only 6% had evidence of cancer 1 year later. However, these men all noticed a significant drop in sperm count.
“Other studies have shown that after completely removing the prostate, 15% to 30% of patients have a cancer recurrence within 5 to 10 years of surgery,” Dr. Walser said. “Although focal laser ablation doesn’t yet have such long-term data, this technique may ultimately provide similar cancer control while better preserving quality of life.”
Disclosure: The study was funded by F. Hoffmann-La Roche/Genentech. The study authors’ full disclosures can be found at sciencedirect.com.
The content in this post has not been reviewed by the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Inc. (ASCO®) and does not necessarily reflect the ideas and opinions of ASCO®.
