Health
Focal Therapy: Less Invasive Prostate Cancer Treatment
By Alberta Herman
July 21, 2024
Concord Hospital Health System, located in New Hampshire, has made a significant breakthrough by being the first medical institution to offer an innovative treatment for men diagnosed with intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The method is FDA-approved and minimally invasive, utilizing High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) technology.
Prostate cancer ranks among the most common types of cancer affecting men across the United States. Traditional methods of treating this disease involve surgical removal of the prostate gland or radiation therapy. While these treatments are undeniably effective, they often lead to undesirable side effects such as urinary leakage and erectile dysfunction. Subsequently, there is a pressing need for developing new treatments that can limit these lifelong side effects.
The HIFU technique provides targeted or focal therapy that specifically treats only those areas of the prostate gland that harbor cancer cells while leaving other parts untouched. This approach significantly reduces life-limiting side effects when compared to traditional therapies.
As an outpatient procedure requiring minimal recovery time, HIFU offers considerable benefits for patients and their families alike. There are no incisions or stitches involved in this process; hence, post-operative care becomes easier too. Most patients can resume regular activities within one to two days after undergoing treatment.
Although HIFU may seem like a novel concept in terms of treating prostate cancer, similar focal therapies have been utilized effectively against other forms of cancer, like kidney cancer, where cryotherapy or thermal ablation techniques target only malignant tissue while preserving healthy surrounding tissues.
So why has focal therapy emerged as an option for treating prostate cancer now? The answer lies in three key developments:
*Enhanced imaging capabilities through MRI have enabled physicians to accurately locate tumors and understand their boundaries.
* Improved knowledge about tumor biology helps doctors assess how aggressive a patient's prostate cancer could be.
* A growing realization amongst healthcare providers about reducing patient side-effects while maintaining high standards of quality care without compromising on successful outcomes from oncological interventions.
However, Dr. Michael E. Rezaee, MPH, of the Urologic Institute at Concord Hospital, cautions that HIFU is not suitable for everyone. Certain factors, such as an aggressively growing tumor, the location of the tumor, a history of inflammatory bowel disease or rectal surgery, and the presence of a urethral stricture, could disqualify some patients from this treatment option.
Patients who undergo HIFU will need to be closely monitored post-surgery through repeat imaging and prostate biopsies. Despite offering a minimally invasive alternative with fewer side effects, surgical removal or radiation therapy will continue to remain the standard care protocol for most men diagnosed with prostate cancer.
At Concord Hospital Health System, a team comprising urologists specializing in oncology and focal therapies is available to provide expert care in treating prostate cancer using these innovative techniques.
For additional information regarding this groundbreaking treatment option, call 603-225-2711 or visit concordhospital.org.
LATEST ARTICLES IN Health
6 Easy Home Remedies to Combat Dandruff.
Study: Partner's Joy Lowers Stress Hormones in Elderly Couples.
Review: TrustedRelief Blood Support Capsules Boost Circulation.
Ultimate Morning Routine Guide for Men.
Join Our Newsletter
Popular Articles
-
Mar 13, 2024
Anyone But You - A Romantic Comedy Surprise of 2023 -
Feb 01, 2024
AI Company About to Revolutionize the Medical Space? -
Jul 31, 2024
Apple Anticipates Higher Revenue in Thursday's Earnings Report -
Oct 01, 2024
Driving Successful Digital Transformation