Focal (or targeted) therapy is an emerging new treatment option for appropriate patients with cancer confined to only a zone or region of the prostate gland. The goal of focal therapy is to achieve long-term cancer control without the side effects of a total gland treatment. Our advanced diagnostic[link to Advanced Diagnosis] pathway with MRI guided fusion mapping biopsy can determine whether the cancer is widespread throughout the prostate (multifocal) or confined to only a small part of the prostate (focal).

The prostate can be treated partially or focally by MRI Fusion Guided HIFU, cryotherapy or laser technology. Ahmed and Emberton out of the UK, using HIFU, have demonstrated excellent results. Focal HIFU is effective over 90% of the time and preserves both sexual and urinary function. The Scionti Prostate Center has the largest MRI Fusion Guided Focal HIFU experience in the United States.

The MRI images below are from an actual case from the Scionti Prostate Center

Diagnosis

55 year old male with elevated PSA. The MRI shows a tumor in the prostate (outlined in green). Artemis MRI-guided biopsy revealed Gleason Grade 7 cancer. The standard ultrasound guided (random) biopsies were all benign (missed the cancer)

Treatment: Focal HIFU

5 years after Focal HIFU, the patient is cancer free as determined by Artemis MRI-guided fusion biopsy. The area in red represents scar tissue completely replacing the tumor.

This man has a completely normal sexual and urinary function.