Peter J. Rossi, MD, presented “Focal Brachytherapy in 2025” during the 35th International Prostate Cancer Update conference on February 9, 2025, in Vail, Colorado.
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How to cite: Rossi, Peter J. “Focal Brachytherapy in 2025.” February 9, 2025. Accessed Jul 2025. https://grandroundsinurology.com/focal-brachytherapy-in-2025/
Focal Brachytherapy in 2025 – Summary
Peter J. Rossi, MD, a board-certified radiation oncologist affiliated with Calaway Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, discusses the argument for whole gland therapy, focal therapy, and focal brachytherapy in prostate cancer treatment. In this 10-minute presentation, Dr. Rossi evaluates the benefits.
First, Dr. Rossi highlights the established success of whole gland therapy, particularly with brachytherapy, which offers durable outcomes with minimal severe side effects. Guidelines do not yet support focal therapy, largely due to questions regarding data, clinical trials, toxicity outcomes, and criteria for success or failure. However, he acknowledges the growing interest in focal therapy as a targeted, minimally invasive option that aligns with patient preferences to preserve sexual function.
Dr. Rossi presents MRI-based brachytherapy as a precise and effective approach that utilizes technological advancements like PSMA PET for improved targeting and MRI for preserving healthy tissue. He demonstrates a detailed treatment planning example using MRI-based focal brachytherapy, emphasizing its precision in dose delivery while avoiding organs at risk.
Dr. Rossi advocates for continued clinical trials incorporating biomarkers, molecular imaging, and sexual function endpoints to expand the evidence base. He affirms that focal brachytherapy offers a precise and effective treatment option for selected patients, ensuring durable tumor control while preserving salvage options.
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
Peter J. Rossi, MD, a certified radiation oncologist, is associated with the Calaway - Young Cancer Center at Valley View Hospital in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. Holding a medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine, he completed his internship and residency at the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, California, and Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Dr. Rossi was formerly an associate professor at Emory University School of Medicine and the medical director of oncology at Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. He brings over 25 years of clinical experience to his practice. His numerous publications highlight his commitment to improving quality of life outcomes and showcase innovative approaches in brachytherapy, radiation therapy, and multidisciplinary care for prostate cancer. Actively contributing to a multidisciplinary team, Dr. Rossi is devoted to delivering exceptional care to cancer patients.
