New technology
Technology is certainly moving quickly in the field of prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Biopsies can now be made more accurate by utilising specific MRI scanning and ultrasound together to target the cancer cells.
I’m sure you’re familiar with the old “shotgun approach” where multiple needles are inserted and you just hope that one of them hits the target.
With the new approach, there is far greater accuracy with a more defined biopsy result.
Focal Therapy
Focal treatment for dealing with localised prostate cancer is a promising area of urology.
These forms of treatment aim to target tissue destruction specifically on the area that contains the tumour.
One form of focal therapy is the NanoKnife, which is termed Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) therapy.
Professor Phillip Stricker in Sydney is one of the pioneers of therapies that include the NanoKnife and Focal Therapy, where ultrasound is used.
For men diagnosed with low-risk, localised prostate cancer, these therapies may be a valid alternative to more aggressive treatments.
Focal therapies can lead to fewer side-effects, particular in the area of erectile dysfunction and incontinence – neither of which men want to deal with!
It is important to remember that not all men with prostate cancer will be suitable candidates for any of the above treatments.
Each man will need to discuss with his specialist the range of possible treatments available for his specific set of circumstances.
If you are uncertain or in doubt, I believe that it’s always wise to consider a second opinion. Your health is your responsibility.
