Frontiers in Oncologic Prostate Care and Ablative Local Therapy Archives

KEYNOTE LECTURE: Too Little or Just Enough? The Role of Focal Therapy in ProtecT Era

Posted by Freddie Hamdy, MD | Sep 2024

Freddie Hamdy, MD, presents an insightful analysis of the role of focal therapy in the treatment of prostate cancer within the ProtecT era. He explores the balance between overtreatment and undertreatment, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches that maximize patient outcomes while minimizing unnecessary interventions.

Dr. Hamdy discusses the ProtecT trial’s findings, which highlight the benefits and limitations of active monitoring, surgery, and radiotherapy for localized prostate cancer. Focal therapy emerges as a promising middle ground. His presentation covers various focal therapy techniques, including high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), cryotherapy, and focal laser ablation.

Dr. Hamdy stresses the importance of accurate patient selection, including diagnostic evaluations, multiparametric MRI, and targeted biopsies, for focal therapy. He also addresses the necessity of follow-up protocols including regular PSA testing and imaging.

Focal versus Radical – At What Cost

Posted by Deepika Reddy, MD | Aug 2024

Deepika Reddy, MD, examines the comparative impacts of focal and radical treatments for prostate cancer, focusing on their efficacy, side effects, and overall costs.

Dr. Reddy underscores the growing interest in focal therapies due to their potential to minimize treatment-related side effects; however, Dr. Reddy emphasizes the importance of careful patient selection and thorough pre-treatment imaging to ensure the appropriateness of focal therapy. In contrast, radical treatments provide a comprehensive approach to cancer eradication, offering lower rates of recurrence in appropriately selected patients. These benefits come at the cost of higher rates of adverse effects. Dr. Reddy presents data comparing long-term outcomes of patients undergoing focal versus radical treatments.

Cost considerations also play a crucial role in the treatment decision-making process. Dr. Reddy discusses the direct and indirect costs associated with both approaches.

Case Discussions II-Complications and Recurrences

Posted by Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH | Aug 2024

Abhinav Sidana, MD, MPH; Arvin K. George, MD; Phillip Stricker, MBBS; Taimur T. Shah, MD; Alice Yu, MD; and Thomas Frye, DO;

Optimizing BPH Clinical Pathway: Navigating the Next 20 Years

Posted by Ilya Sobol, MD | Aug 2024

Ilya Sobol, MD provides a forward-looking analysis on optimizing the clinical pathway for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) over the next 20 years. He emphasizes the integration of emerging technologies, personalized medicine, and patient-centered care to enhance treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Dr. Sobol discusses the evolving landscape of BPH management, highlighting advances in diagnostic tools, such as improved imaging techniques and biomarker identification, and minimally invasive therapies, such as transurethral water jet ablation and laser enucleation, should be incorporated into standard practice.

Telemedicine and digital health technologies are highlighted as key components of the future clinical pathway. Dr. Sobol envisions the integration of telehealth services for routine follow-ups and monitoring. He also advocates for comprehensive patient education programs that empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care.

Practical Considerations of Laser Enucleation Programs

Posted by Ilya Sobol, MD | Aug 2024

Ilya Sobol, MD, provides an in-depth analysis of the practical considerations involved in implementing and managing laser enucleation programs for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). His discussion focuses on the technical aspects, patient selection, and logistical requirements essential for the successful execution of these programs.

Dr. Sobol outlines the advantages of laser enucleation techniques, such as holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP). Dr. Sobol also discusses the technical expertise required for performing laser enucleation. He highlights the necessity for specialized training and experience to master the technique. Logistical considerations are also addressed, including the need for appropriate facilities and equipment.