Making a case "for" focal therapy of the prostate in intermediate risk prostate cancer: current perspective and ongoing trials

World J Urol. 2021 Mar;39(3):729-739. doi: 10.1007/s00345-020-03525-0. Epub 2021 Jan 2.

Abstract

Focal therapy is growing as an alternative management options for men with clinically localized prostate cancer. Parallel to the increasing popularity of active surveillance (AS) as a treatment for low-risk disease, there has been an increased interest towards providing focal therapy for patients with intermediate-risk disease. Focal therapy can act as a logical "middle ground" in patients who seek treatment while minimizing potential side effects of definitive whole-gland treatment. The aim of the current review is to define the rationale of focal therapy in patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer and highlight the importance of patient selection in focal therapy candidacy.

Keywords: Focal therapy; MRI; prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Ablation Techniques* / methods
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Organ Sparing Treatments
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Risk Assessment