Christian P. Pavlovich, MD, presented “Transurethral Ultrasound Guided Prostate Ablation (TULSA): Clinical Trials and Real-world Results” during the 35th International Prostate Cancer Update conference on February 9, 2025, in Vail, Colorado.
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How to cite: Pavlovich, Christian P. “Transurethral Ultrasound Guided Prostate Ablation (TULSA): Clinical Trials and Real-world Results.” February 9, 2025. Accessed Apr 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/transurethral-ultrasound-guided-prostate-ablation-tulsa-clinical-trials-and-real-world-results/
Transurethral Ultrasound Guided Prostate Ablation (TULSA): Clinical Trials and Real-world Results – Summary
Christian P. Pavlovich, MD, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, examines the use of TULSA (Transurethral Ultrasound Ablation) in prostate cancer treatment. In this 14-minute presentation, Dr. Pavlovich highlights its technique, outcomes, and future potential.
Dr. Pavlovich notes that although TULSA has shown lower cancer control rates compared to surgery or radiation, its preservation of continence and sexual function makes it an appealing option for some. He references five-year data showing that 79% of patients avoided salvage treatments like radiation or surgery. Ongoing improvements in TULSA’s software aim to address issues such as incomplete ablation in regions affected by calcifications or complex prostate anatomy.
Dr. Pavlovich explores focal TULSA as a targeted approach to preserving healthy prostate tissue. Early data suggests this method may improve cancer control while maintaining low rates of side effects. Salvage TULSA, particularly after radiation failure, shows promise but carries higher risks of incontinence and genitourinary toxicity, especially in whole-gland salvage treatments.
Future directions include the ongoing CAPTAIN trial, comparing whole-gland TULSA to radical prostatectomy, and emerging research on combining TULSA with active surveillance for intermediate-risk patients.
About the 35th International Prostate Cancer Update:
The International Prostate Cancer Update (IPCU), is a multi-day, CME-accredited conference focused on new developments in prostate cancer treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. IPCU 35 will feature lectures, interactive discussions, panel roundtables, debates, and case reports. This conference is led by expert physicians and is designed for urologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
The goal of this educational program is to equip healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer with the up-to-date clinical knowledge and tools they need to best treat their patients. The program will discuss the treatment of prostate cancer from diagnosis to treating advanced and metastatic disease. The conference aims to give physicians exposure to a comprehensive review of treating prostate cancer patients and to give them a chance to discuss the issues with peers and experts. You can learn more about the conference here.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Christian P. Pavlovich is a renowned urologist specializing in urologic oncology, focusing on prostate and kidney cancers. He is the Bernard L. Schwartz Distinguished Professor in Urologic Oncology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and directs the Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance Program. Dr. Pavlovich is known for his expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries, as well as his pioneering work in cancer detection and active surveillance strategies. He is dedicated to providing personalized, high-quality care to patients with urologic cancers.
