Andre Abreu, MD, presented “Energy Selection Ablative Technologies for Focal Therapy” during the 2024 Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy symposium on October 17, 2024, in San Diego, California.
>
How to cite: Abreu, Andre. “Energy Selection Ablative Technologies for Focal Therapy.” October, 2024. Accessed Feb 2026. https://grandroundsinurology.com/energy-selection-ablative-technologies-for-focal-therapy/
Energy Selection Ablative Technologies for Focal Therapy – Summary
Andre Abreu, MD, delves into energy modalities for focal therapy in prostate cancer, presented with a comprehensive and practical approach. This 16-minute presentation explores multiple energy options, including cryoablation, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), irreversible electroporation (IRE), laser ablation, and microwave ablation. Dr. Abreu emphasizes the importance of aligning energy selection with institutional expertise and patient-specific factors.
Patient-specific considerations guide technology selection, including rectal wall thickness and proximity to critical structures. Transition zone lesions benefit from tools like aqua ablation, while anterior lesions present challenges for certain devices. The speaker emphasizes the need for personalized management, integrating oncologic characteristics with procedural capabilities.
Dr. Abreu optimistically frames the future of focal therapy, with ongoing trials like vapor ablation and the potential for low-dose radiation therapy combined with IRE promising advancements. He calls for practical recommendations and an invitation for ongoing exploration in the evolving field of prostate cancer management.
Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy (FOCAL) is an outstanding program on prostate imaging, transperineal interventions, and ablative treatments for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Bringing together community-based, academic, and industry partners, FOCAL offers lectures by world-renowned faculty and hands-on training workshops on in-office transperineal interventions, fusion-guided prostate ablation and state-of-the-art BPH management with novel technologies.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Andre Luis de Castro Abreu, MD, is an Assistant Professor of Clinical Urology and Radiology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Abreu has expertise in MRI/TRUS fusion prostate biopsy and focal therapy, including high intensity focused ultrasound and cryoablation for prostate cancer. He performs robotic surgery for prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers, as well as practicing general urology.
