IS THERE A NON-SURGICAL SOLUTION FOR PROSTATE CANCER?

IS THERE A NON-SURGICAL SOLUTION FOR PROSTATE CANCER?

Among the treatments for prostate cancer, surgery is the most successful in terms of cancer control. However, there is a risk of urinary incontinence of up to 5% in good centers. Impairment of sexual functions is seen between 30-50% despite the protection of the nerves. Although radiation therapy has similar results to surgery in terms of cancer control, sexual function and urinary problems can still be seen. In recent years, instead of removing or irradiating the entire prostate, only the treatment of the tumor area (focal treatment) is on the agenda. Especially High intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) method is also applied in our country. It is based on the principle of destroying cancer cells by focusing ultrasound waves into the prostate. Although there is no follow-up as long as surgery yet, it is a promising form of treatment in suitable patients and in experienced centers. It is reported that there may be an advantage in terms of urinary incontinence and sexual functions.

As a result; There are successful non-surgical treatment alternatives in prostate cancer. The most important point is that a PATIENT SPECIFIC treatment is performed in an experienced center and with an experienced physician.

Focal therapy with HIFU in prostate cancer

FOCAL TREATMENT

Prostate cancer is diagnosed at an earlier age, often in the late 50s and early 60s. Giving them the same treatment options as 20 years ago dramatically jeopardizes their biggest concern, their quality of life. Focal therapy with HIFU is a modern, truly non-invasive, focal therapy aimed at preserving patients’ quality of life and leaves open all treatment options, including recurrence of HIFU, in case of local recurrence of the disease. It is a localized treatment for localized prostate cancer, as it is applied only to the prostate area affected by cancer, as a remedy to reduce side effects such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. HIFU is designed in such a way that each patient can apply a special treatment depending on the prostate anatomy.

FOR HIFU, FOCAL TREATMENT PROTOCOLS:

• Half Prostate ablation: Treatment of half of the prostate affected by cancer
• Nerve sparing: Treatment aimed at preserving erectile function by treating the entire prostate excluding the neurovascular nerves on both sides of the prostate
• Regional treatment: The “most cancer-targeted” approach applied only to the cancer-affected area.