A new, minimally invasive treatment for prostate cancer can successfully kill cancer cells while limiting serious side effects, a new study finds.
The procedure uses MRI and transurethral ultrasound ablation, or TULSA, instead of surgery or radiation.
A small catheter-like device is inserted through the urethra and using MRI doctors guide it into position to heat the malignant tissue.
Study participants who received TULSA experienced a reduction in cancer, prostate size and PSA levels, according to the results.
Researchers say cancer was undetectable on follow-up biopsy by 76% after one year.
And by 5 years, 92% of patients recovered urinary continence and 87% preserved erectile function.
The lead author says, “The success of TULSA represents a revolution in whole-gland treatment for prostate cancer.”
Of those treated, 25 men received follow-up conventional treatment with surgery or radiation because of residual or new tumors.
A randomized control trial comparing TULSA with radical prostatectomy is now underway.
