Izak Faiena, MD, MSCR

Izak Faiena, MD, MSCR

Columbia University Irving Medical Center

New York, New York

Izak Faiena MD, MSCR, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Urology and a Urologic Oncologist at Columbia University Irving Medical Center in New York, NY. Dr. Faiena specializes in prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment as well as in other urologic cancers. His expertise spans advanced diagnostic techniques, such as MRI fusion and transperineal biopsy, as well as cutting-edge treatments including focal therapy and robotic surgery.

Dr. Faiena earned his MD, with Alpha Omega Alpha honors, from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City. He then completed his urology residency at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School in Piscataway, New Jersey, where he received multiple research awards for his work in prostate and bladder cancer. After residency, he completed a fellowship in urologic oncology and earned a master of science in clinical research (MSCR) at the University of California, Los Angeles Institute of Urologic Oncology and the Clinical and Translational Science Institute, where he obtained significant research funding and conducted and published on clinical trials in urologic cancers. 

Dr. Faiena is dedicated to advancing the field of prostate cancer through innovative clinical trials, targeting both localized and advanced stages of the disease. His groundbreaking research has been featured in top national and international medical journals, reflecting his commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing cancer care.

Talks by Izak Faiena, MD, MSCR

Getting Started with Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

Getting Started with Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer

| Sep 2024

Izak Faiena, MD, MSCR, offers a comprehensive overview of focal therapy for prostate cancer, highlighting its role as a targeted, less invasive approach to balance oncologic control with preserving patient quality of life.

In this 10-minute talk, Faiena shows that focal therapy targets the index lesion rather than the entire prostate, maintaining function while controlling cancer. It offers advantages such as fewer side effects, potential for retreatment, and deferral of whole gland therapy.

Several focal therapy modalities are discussed, including cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), irreversible electroporation (IRE), and focal laser ablation. The presentation underscores the importance of multidisciplinary care, continuous quality improvement, and follow-up.

While focal therapy shows potential, careful patient selection remains critical. The talk concludes with optimism about emerging clinical trials and future developments that may further refine focal therapy’s role in managing prostate cancer.

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