Latest Videos

Industry Perspective: BioProtect Balloon Implant™ System

Industry Perspective: BioProtect Balloon Implant™ System

Posted by | Apr 2024

In this Industry Perspective, supported by BioProtect, Daniel Y. Song, MD, compares the BioProtect Balloon Implant™ System to rectal gel spacers currently on the market. Dr. Song begins by presenting the composition, dimensions, and safety features of the balloon.

Dr. Song then compares the balloon’s features and implantation process to those of the two most readily available rectal gel spacers on the market. He notes that, unlike the gel spacers, the balloon creates predictable, reproducible, symmetrical results.

Dr. Song presents a step-by-step illustration of the implantation process for the BioProtect Balloon Implant™ System. He presents a video demonstration of an implantation via blunt dissection, which reduces the risk of rectal, capsular, and vascular infiltration. He adds that the balloon is simple to degrade, with 98% of the material degraded at the 6-month mark.

Dr. Song concludes by presenting the results of the BioProtect Multinational Pivotal Study. He compares the GI toxicities at 3 and 6 months of patients treated with rectal gel spacers versus those treated with the BioProtect Balloon Implant™ System. He demonstrates that the balloon achieves robust reduction in radiation dose, while being well-tolerated by patients and easy for healthcare professionals to implant and adjust.

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Selecting the Optimal Energy Source

Selecting the Optimal Energy Source

Posted by | Mar 2024

Samir S. Taneja, MD, compares the merits and limitations of the leading energy sources used in prostate focal ablation. The sources available for use in prostate ablation today include laser, electroporation, radiofrequency, photodynamic therapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryosurgery, drugs/toxins, radiations (focal/interstitial), surgery, steam, and gold nanoparticles.

Dr. Taneja outlines the ideal criteria for an energy source based on the individual characteristics of the patient and their disease, as well as real-world considerations like ease of use and insurance coverage. He gives examples of which energy sources are best-suited for certain cases based on disease presentation and other factors.

In a full focal therapy practice, the optimal situation would be one with multiple energy sources available so that physicians can tailor treatments to each individual patient. Since this saturation of options can be daunting to physicians just starting in a focal therapy program, Dr. Taneja advises practitioners to pick one energy source to practice at first, limiting patient selection to those with disease that is best-treated with that specific modality. After becoming proficient with that energy source, more can be added to increase candidate selection.

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PI-RADS Standardization and Risk Assessment – Recent Advances and Future Plans

PI-RADS Standardization and Risk Assessment – Recent Advances and Future Plans

Posted by | Mar 2024

Clare Tempany, MB BCh BAO, gives an overview of the role that Prostate Imaging Reporting And Data System (PI-RADS) standardization plays in the treatment and detection of prostate cancer. She begins by giving a history of the RADS program, which is overseen by the American College of Radiation, and the objectives of RAD programs overall.

Dr. Tempany then goes into detail about the PI-RADS program and its specific objectives. She discusses the need to change and update existing RADS, highlighting the lack of consensus on two significant studies that would prompt such changes.

Dr. Tempany concludes by reviewing the technical specifications, clarifications in interpretation criteria and the role of Bi-Parametiric MRI in PI-RADS. She finishes her talk by going over possible research opportunities and other exciting future plans.

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Managing the Man with Ejaculatory Dysfunction

Managing the Man with Ejaculatory Dysfunction

Posted by | Mar 2024

Jesse N. Mills, MD, presents management strategies for men presenting with ejaculatory dysfunctions, ranging from premature ejaculation to ejaculodynia. He begins by acknowledging that there is no current FDA-approved treatment specifically for any kind of ejaculatory dysfunction.

Dr. Mills then separates men presenting with ejaculatory dysfunction into distinct categories based on the symptom they are experiencing, and follow-up questions to ask these patients. These five main groups are Premature Ejaculation, Delayed Ejaculation, Anejaculation, Ejaculodynia, and Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome.

Throughout the presentation, Dr. Mills discusses each category of dysfunction and available treatment options. He concludes by highlighting the need for further study of post-orgasmic illness syndrome.

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The Who and Why of Focal Therapies

The Who and Why of Focal Therapies

Posted by | Mar 2024

Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH, discusses the selection processes, objectives, and data supporting the use of focal therapy to treat prostate cancer. He begins with an overview of the state of focal therapy, and how it can be used to provide more personalized prostate cancer treatment to patients.

Dr. Sidana then compares the weaknesses of focal therapy to those of radical surgery and surveillance. He notes that while focal therapy has been criticized for its shortcomings in addressing “invisible” and multifocal cancers, radical surgery has permanent negative effects on patient QOL and that many patients on active surveillance drop out after a certain length of time.

Dr. Sidana then addresses recent advances in focal therapy which can partially mitigate some of the shortcomings of focal therapy. He focuses on advancements in MRI accuracy and specificity which makes treating multifocal and previously invisible clinically significant cancers using focal therapy effective.

Dr. Sidana concludes by outlining strategies for patient selection for focal therapy. He presents examples of ideal patient and disease characteristics for focal therapy treatment and lists relevant contraindications.

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