Evolution of non-perfused volume after transurethral ultrasound ablation of prostate: A retrospective 12-month analysis

Background: A detailed understanding of the non-perfused volume (NPV) evolution after prostate ablation therapy is lacking. The impact of different diseased prostate tissues on NPV evolution post-ablation is unknown.

Purpose: To characterize the NPV evolution for three treatment groups undergoing heat-based prostate ablation therapy, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), primary prostate cancer (PCa), and radiorecurrent PCa.

Materials and methods: Study design and data analysis were performed retrospectively. All patients received MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA). 21 BPH, 28 radiorecurrent PCa and 40 primary PCa patients were included. Using the T1-weighted contrast-enhanced MR image, the NPV was manually contoured by an experienced radiologist. All patients received an MRI immediately following the ablation. Follow-up included MRI at 3- and 12 months for BPH and radiorecurrent PCa patients and at 6- and 12 months for primary PCa patients.

Results: A significant difference between BPH and radiorecurrent PCa patients was observed at three months (p < 0.0001, Wilcoxon rank sum test), with the median NPV decreasing by 77 % for BPH patients but increasing by 4 % for radiorecurrent PCa patients. At six months, the median NPV decreased by 97 % for primary PCa. Across all groups, although 40 % of patients had residual NPV at 12 months, it tended to be < 1 mL.

Conclusion: The resolution of necrotic tissue after ablation was markedly slower for irradiated than treatment-naïve prostate tissue. These results may account for the increased toxicity observed after radiorecurrent salvage therapy. By 12 months, most necrotic prostate tissue had disappeared in every treatment group.