Alternatives to whole gland treatment for localized prostate cancer: a review of novel focal therapies.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The mainstays of the management of clinically localized prostate cancer have historically rested upon active surveillance, radiation therapy, or radical prostatectomy. Although both radiation and surgical treatment of localized prostate cancer can achieve excellent oncologic outcomes, the subsequent potential adverse effects of urinary stress incontinence and erectile dysfunction are unappealing to patients. This has led to investigational studies centered upon focal treatment of the cancerous lesion, with the aim to improve quality-of-life outcomes. In this review, we describe numerous novel modalities, including nanoparticle ablation and irreversible electroporation, which are being utilized for the focal treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS: Although many of these novel therapies are in their investigational infancy, several have revealed very promising results both in their post-treatment pathologic outcomes as well as objective quality-of-life measures.

SUMMARY: Initial data regarding novel focal therapy for prostate cancer treatment show promising short-term outcomes in regards to oncologic and quality-of-life assessments. Further investigational studies are needed to determine inclusion criteria for the selection of optimal candidates.