Focal therapy of prostate cancer: patient selection, current limitations, and perspective of introduction into clinical practice

Abstract

Focal therapy is a promising option for localized prostate cancer treatment in low and intermediate risk patients. The combination of minimal invasiveness, disease control and the possibility of re-treatment in case of recurrence have significantly increased interest in focal therapy. However, before the final introduction of focal therapy into clinical practice, a number of significant limitations have yet to be overcome, such as patient selection, visualization of target, the choice of the treatment modality and the surgery planning, as well as the development of a follow-up protocol. Studies have shown that focal therapy has minimal impact on the quality of life, but its oncological effectiveness has yet to be evaluated in comparison with radical methods of treatment.