A minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer, using a combination of MRI and transurethral ultrasound, has shown effectiveness in a recent study
Traditional treatments for prostate cancer, such as surgery or radiation, often have significant risks or side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, which can profoundly impact patients’ quality of life.
However, this approach offers a durable alternative for whole-gland treatment with fewer adverse effects.
Led by Dr. Steven S. Raman, a professor at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, the study showcases the success of MRI-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) in revolutionising prostate cancer treatment.
Changing prostate cancer treatment forever
Prostate cancer, affecting one in eight men in their lifetimes, stands as one of the most prevalent forms of cancer in men.
In the TULSA procedure, a specialised catheter-like device is inserted through the urethra into the prostate, guided by MRI to position therapeutic ultrasound elements precisely.
These elements heat the prostate tissue to over 55 degrees Celsius while avoiding sensitive nerves surrounding the gland. The procedure, lasting two to three hours, offers a minimally invasive option for patients.
Dr. Raman emphasises the significance of this image-guided therapy, which maximises cancer cell destruction while minimising damage to surrounding tissues.
Aiming for optimal outcomes
The procedure has complete local cancer control while preserving urinary continence and potency, addressing common complications of conventional therapies.
The study revealed promising results, with participants experiencing reductions in cancer presence, prostate size, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which serve as cancer markers.
Cancer was undetectable in 76% of patients on follow-up biopsy one-year post-TULSA, with substantial decreases in prostate volume and PSA levels over five years.
TULSA presenting less side affects
TULSA demonstrated a favourable side-effect profile compared to alternative treatments such as surgery, radiation, or thermal therapy.
By the five-year mark, 92% of patients regained continence and 87% preserved erectile function. The study, involving 115 men, identified early predictors of treatment failure, leading to improved procedural precision and error management.
Dr. Raman highlights the evolving role of interventional radiologists (IRs) in prostate cancer care, using their expertise in imaging and image-guided procedures to enhance patient outcomes. As with other cancers, IRs play a crucial role in the detection and management of prostate cancer.
