Targeted prostate cancer treatment cuts risk of side effects, study suggests
Summary
A UK study found that focal therapy, a less invasive treatment for prostate cancer, works as well as surgery or radiotherapy but causes fewer side effects. The 10-year research followed nearly 3,500 men and showed that only two died from prostate cancer after treatment, with lower risks of urine leakage and sexual problems.Key Facts
- Focal therapy uses high-intensity ultrasound or freezing methods to destroy cancer tissue.
- The study was led by Imperial College London and involved about 3,500 men over 10 years.
- Almost all patients had intermediate or high-risk prostate cancer at the start.
- Only two men died from prostate cancer after 10 years following focal therapy.
- Side effects like incontinence and loss of sexual function were less than half as common compared to surgery or radiotherapy.
- Currently, only about 1,000 men per year in the UK get focal therapy, but up to 15,000 could benefit.
- NHS access is limited to 10 centers in England, with none in other parts of the UK.
- The UK government pledged up to £2.8 million to help expand focal therapy availability.
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