A targeted treatment for prostate cancer may help thousands of men avoid serious side effects while maintaining effective cancer control, according to a major UK study.
The treatment, known as focal therapy, uses high-intensity ultrasound or freezing technology called cryotherapy to destroy only cancerous areas of the prostate rather than treating the whole gland.
Researchers from Imperial College London followed nearly 3,500 men treated through the UK’s National Health Service for 10 years. The study found that results were similar to traditional treatments such as surgery and radiotherapy, while patients reported fewer complications, including urinary leakage and loss of sexual function.
The researchers found that among men with intermediate- or high-risk prostate cancer, only two patients died from the disease during the decade-long follow-up period.
Professor Hashim Ahmed, a consultant urologist, said the findings showed that focal therapy can provide “excellent long-term cancer control” and supported wider access to the treatment for suitable patients.
However, focal therapy is not suitable for every patient. It is mainly considered for men whose cancer remains limited to a specific area of the prostate and has not spread to other parts of the body.
The Mayo Clinic says prostate cancer often grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Warning signs can include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, and pain in advanced cases.
Risk factors include older age, a family history of prostate cancer, certain inherited gene changes, obesity and smoking.
Although focal therapy has been available for more than 20 years, its use has remained limited because doctors sought stronger evidence about its long-term effectiveness.
Patients who received focal therapy also welcomed the findings, with some reporting successful treatment without lasting problems that can affect daily life after conventional therapies.
Researchers said continued monitoring and further studies are needed to confirm the long-term safety and effectiveness of the approach. They believe focal therapy could become an important part of future prostate cancer care by reducing treatment-related harm while maintaining survival benefits.
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