A new approach to treating prostate cancer may offer improved benefits. British scientists have developed a technique involving high-intensity focused ultrasound. MRI imaging is used to guide the sound waves to heat the tumor in a very localized manner. This resulted in less incontinence and erectile dysfunction than traditional treatment without losing the anti-cancer effectiveness. Although this preliminary trial only included 42 men, the investigators are hopeful that it will lead to randomized controlled trials to establish whether focal therapy with ultrasound is a viable alternative treatment for prostate cancer.
[Lancet Oncology, online, April. 17, 2012]
The People's Perspective on Medicine