Metropolitan General is one of the few centers in Greece where Focal Therapy is applied, an innovative way to treat localized prostate cancer. This new method is already applied in famous centers in America and Europe, with extremely good results.
How this method is applied – Advantages
Focal therapy is a general term for a variety of advanced, non-invasive techniques, which are used to destroy small tumours inside the prostate gland. It is based on the pioneering Fusion technique, which combines the Multiparametric MRI pf the prostate with the transrectal ultrasound. Initially, the images of the prostate gland and the suspicious site (tumour) are captured with MRI. Then, using a specialized system of electronic navigation, these images are superimposed / locked together with the images produced during ultrasound and they are combined, giving a final three-dimensional imaging. Afterwards, we are guided three-dimensionally directly to the suspicious site to take a biopsy.
When the lesion is confirmed, based on the histological examination, that is cancerous, then it is destroyed with great precision with a needle (which carries the fiber laser) through the skin without incision, leaving intact the healthy cells and tissues of the prostate gland. As a consequence, the usual complications (incontinence, erectile dysfunction, etc) that we encounter performing surgery for the prostate gland, do not appear. Usually, this method is performed with local anesthesia and the patient can leave the department after a few hours.
The target of focal therapy is to destroy successfully the tumor sites, minimizing the adverse effects inside the prostate gland, whereas it leaves the other areas of the gland intact, maintaining the normal prostate tissue.
When it is indicated
Focal therapy is offered as an alternative treatment for men with small (not extended), localized tumours in the prostate gland.
More information for this innovative method:
Tel.: +30 210 65 02 649, Monday – Friday: 08:00 – 16:00