Study Shows Image-Guided Treatment Option for Prostate Cancer Is Alternative to Surgery

The results of a new clinical study into the use of a minimally invasive, image-guided treatment option for prostate cancer show that it has less side effects and lower toxicity, than surgery.

According to the researchers, the new procedure, based on Magnetic Resonance (MR) and ultrasound, can locate the exact location of the tumor and enable more precise treatment, and shorten recovery times, with less or no side effects for all stages of prostate cancer.

The study involving more than 200 patients was carried out at the Prostata Center (Offenbach, Germany) and was presented at the annual Radiological Society of North America (RSNA 2015) meeting in Chicago, USA. The Irreversible electroporation (IRE) technique is a unique tissue-selective therapy that destroys cells leaving the intestinal wall, the sphincter, veins, arteries, and the intestinal wall intact. Precise image guided IRE kills cells using strong electric fields without radiation, or heat, are spared. Treatment with IRE shortens recovery time, and prevents possible erection, bladder control, and other problems.

The research team evaluated data from 265 patients that had been treated using surgery, radiation therapy, and High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU). The patients had stage T1-T4 (primary), and recurrent PCa, which had been brought under control. Recurrence rates were 0/55 (Gleason < 7), 3/117 (Gleason 7) and 10/67 (Gleason > 7) during a follow-up period of up to 4 years. No IRE-related incontinence was observed during the study, even when the lower urinary sphincter was included in the treatment field. Two patients had a permanent loss of erectile function, 15 had a permanent reduction, and 27 a transient reduction that was resolved after 6 to 8 months. IRE toxicity for the rectum and bladder was also very low, even when they were affected by advanced stage cancer in patients who were no longer candidates for radiation treatment or surgery.

Dr. Michael K. Stehling, primary author of the study, said, "The patients we have treated at The Prostata Center have had their cancers destroyed without the need for surgery, with a low incidence of side effects and in most cases have been back on their feet the next day. The data from this study confirms what we see every day, we have a very attractive approach for patients who are concerned about quality of life challenges and are considering options for the treatment of localized and late stage prostate cancer. Treating prostate cancer with minimal pain and minimal risk of impotence and incontinence, even in patients with advanced and recurrent cancer, with a one-time, one-day treatment, until recently, was unthinkable. The cutting edge technology of IRE makes this a reality."

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