A review of prostate cancer focal therapies in general practice.

BACKGROUND

Focal therapy is an emerging treatment modality for prostate cancer that aims to spare patients treatment-related side effects including erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence associated with surgery and radiotherapy, which are the current standards of care.

OBJECTIVE

In this narrative review, the authors aim to provide a focused summary of prostate cancer focal therapies for general practice including an overview of key underlying oncological principles, existing treatment modalities, their functional and oncological outcomes, and follow-up after treatment.

DISCUSSION: Focal therapy is being increasingly established in the management of localised prostate cancer and is a promising alternative to surgery and radiotherapy in carefully selected patients. With a growing body of evidence in support of focal therapy, its potential in the future of prostate cancer management is clear.