Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Moffitt Cancer Center's Genitourinary Oncology Program offers advanced focal therapy options for patients with localized prostate cancer. These treatments precisely target cancerous tissue while sparing healthy prostate tissue, reducing side effects and preserving quality of life.
Focal Therapy Options
- Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) Ablation: Uses electrical pulses to disrupt cancer cell membranes, effectively treating the tumor while minimizing damage to surrounding structures such as nerves and urinary sphincters.
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Delivers focused ultrasound energy to ablate cancerous tissue. This minimally invasive approach avoids incisions and can reduce the risks of urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to whole-gland treatments.
- Cryosurgery: This method uses freezing temperatures to destroy cancer cells. It involves inserting cryoprobes into the prostate under ultrasound guidance to deliver sub-zero temperatures.
Comparisons
| Feature | Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) | High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) | Cryosurgery |
| Mechanism | Electrical pulses disrupt cancer cell membranes | Ultrasound energy heats and destroys targeted tissue | Freezes prostate tissue using probes filled with argon gas, causing cancer cells to die |
| Precision | Spares surrounding nerves and urinary structures | Targets localized areas without incisions | Can treat part or the whole prostate; focal cryotherapy aims to limit damage to healthy tissue |
| Side Effect Profile | Lower risk of urinary and sexual dysfunction | Reduced risk of incontinence and erectile dysfunction | Advances have reduced side effects, but erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence remain common risks |
| Recovery | Minimally invasive, shorter recovery | Minimally invasive, outpatient procedure | Minimally invasive; recovery varies but generally shorter than surgery |
| Best Candidates | Localized prostate cancer with clearly defined lesions | Localized prostate cancer is suitable for ultrasound targeting | Localized prostate cancer confined to one part of the prostate; also used if cancer recurs after radiation |
| Availability at Moffitt | Offered through the Genitourinary Oncology Program | Offered as part of Moffitt’s focal therapy portfolio | Not specifically listed on Moffitt’s focal therapy page, but widely available at other cancer centers |
Why Early Referral Matters
Eligibility for focal therapy is often limited once patients undergo surgery or whole-gland treatment. Referring patients to Moffitt early in their cancer journey ensures they are evaluated for focal therapy options before prior interventions restrict eligibility.
Why Partner with Moffitt
Moffitt’s Genitourinary Oncology Program combines advanced imaging, multidisciplinary expertise, and nationally recognized leadership in prostate cancer care. Providers who refer their patients here connect them to a team dedicated to personalized treatment and access to therapies available only at Moffitt.
Key Takeaway: Please consider referring patients with localized prostate cancer to Moffitt before surgery or definitive treatment. Early referral maximizes their eligibility for focal therapy, ensuring access to the most innovative options available.
To refer a patient to Moffitt’s Genitourinary Oncology Program, contact a physician liaison for assistance or submit an online form. We understand that a timely response is critical in cancer treatment, which is why our team strives to respond to all referral requests within 24-48 hours.
Treatments Services