Irreversible Electroporation of Prostate Tumors

Abstract

In the past years, focal therapy in localized prostate cancer has gained increasing interest. In focal therapy the tumor lesion is targeted while sparing adjacent anatomical structures that are of importance for urinary, rectal, and erectile function, aiming for functional preservation. The first phase 1–2 trials in human showed that irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a safe and effective treatment modality for focal therapy in localized prostate cancer. Functional outcomes are promising, while all treated patients being pad-free continent following the IRE procedure. Potency was preserved in 56–95% of the patients that had a good erectile function prior to the IRE procedure. Although good short-term oncological outcome has been shown, long-term data are warranted. This chapter focuses on the clinical aspects of prostate cancer treatment with irreversible electroporation, elaborating on patient selection, treatment procedures, and follow-up after focal therapy and provides an update on current results on irreversible electroporation in prostate cancer.