A major 10 year study has found that targeted prostate cancer treatment can control the disease as effectively as surgery or radiotherapy while reducing the risk of long term side effects. Researchers believe the findings could encourage wider use of this treatment for eligible patients.
Long Term Study Shows Strong Results
The research followed nearly 3,500 men who received focal therapy through the NHS over a period of 10 years. Most participants had intermediate or high risk prostate cancer.
At the end of the study, only two men had died from prostate cancer. Researchers say these results are comparable to those achieved with surgery and radiotherapy. At the same time, patients experienced fewer complications after treatment.
What Is Focal Therapy?
Focal therapy is a targeted treatment that destroys only the cancerous part of the prostate instead of removing or treating the entire gland.
Doctors use either high intensity focused ultrasound or cryotherapy, which freezes cancer cells, to eliminate the affected tissue. Since the treatment targets only the tumor, it helps preserve healthy prostate tissue and reduces damage to nearby structures.
Lower Risk of Side Effects
One of the biggest advantages of focal therapy is its lower risk of long term side effects.
According to the study, patients who received focal therapy were less likely to experience urinary leakage or problems with sexual function compared with those who underwent surgery or radiotherapy. Researchers reported that the risk of these complications was less than half that seen with traditional treatments.
Experts Call for Wider Access
Researchers described the long term results as highly encouraging.
They believe the evidence now supports expanding access to focal therapy across more hospitals. Although the treatment has been available for more than 20 years, only around 1,000 men receive it each year in the United Kingdom. Experts estimate that as many as 15,000 patients could benefit from it annually.
However, focal therapy is not suitable for everyone. Men whose cancer has spread outside the prostate or appears in several areas of the gland may require other treatment options.
Patients Share Positive Experiences
Many patients who received focal therapy have reported positive outcomes.
Rob Huxford, who underwent the treatment in 2020 after being diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 44, said he has experienced no lasting side effects. He believes more patients should have access to the treatment regardless of where they live.
Paul Sayer, founder of the charity Prost8 UK, also welcomed the study. He described the findings as an important step toward improving treatment choices for men with prostate cancer.
A Step Forward in Prostate Cancer Care
The latest research suggests that targeted prostate cancer treatment offers effective long term cancer control while reducing the risk of common side effects. If healthcare providers expand access to focal therapy, more eligible patients could benefit from a treatment that preserves quality of life without compromising effectiveness.
