Second opinions about my treatment options
Getting a second opinion for any medical condition can be useful. With prostate cancer, where many of the standard treatments have serious side-effects and new treatments are available that aren’t widely known about, it’s crucial.
At The Focal Therapy Clinic, it’s our mission to help you feel confident in the choice you’ve made about your prostate cancer treatment and your future. We have found up to a third of men we see end up having more options available to them after we review their results.
Our specialists have the time to explain your condition, help you understand your prostate cancer journey so far and answer any questions you might have.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Why should I get a second opinion after prostate cancer diagnosis?
How often could focal therapy be an option for someone told they need a prostatectomy?
“Question everything, and if you’re not happy with what you’re hearing, say, look, you know, I appreciate your opinion, but I’d like to get a second opinion….you’ve only got to do a single search and you’ll find so many different organisations. And The Focal Therapy Clinic is the one that comes up number one on the search…”
Ian Paul
The Focal Therapy Clinic patient
Why should I get a second opinion?
Because focal therapy isn’t being done in many NHS hospitals, many specialists may not know about it, or who is right for it. This might mean they aren’t able to discuss it with you when talking about treatment options.
Watch: Do I need a referral to come to The Focal Therapy Clinic?
Our team includes world-renowned radiologist Clare Allen, who specialises in reading and interpreting mpMRI scans. Thanks to her many years of experience, she can accurately define the areas of concern on MRI images of the prostate gland and discuss alternative treatment options for each case.
If needed, we can also redo PSA tests and biopsies using the latest transperineal techniques to ensure that the information you have been given is accurate. We also discuss all potential patients in our comprehensive MDTs which help us consider what risks and benefits matter most important to you in a treatment.
After a second opinion, you might decide to stay with your original urologist’s recommendation. We have found that up to a third of the men we see find they have other options they weren’t aware of after we review their results.
Can I afford to wait?
Generally, prostate cancer is a slow growing cancer. Because we have a number of expert urology specialists in our team, we are able to see you for a second opinion within weeks or days, if needed. This means you can see us long before your scheduled treatment and make sure you have made your decision with all the information possible.
Watch: How soon can I get an appointment?
If you have high-risk, aggressive prostate cancer, or prostate cancer with a Gleason score above 7 or which has moved beyond the prostate gland, your consultant is likely to have recommended radical treatment as soon as possible. People with this kind of cancer wouldn’t be suitable for focal therapy.
Can I get a second opinion on the NHS?
You have the right to request a second opinion within the NHS, although waiting times can be around a few months. Getting a second opinion at The Focal Therapy Clinic gives you access to a team of leading urological surgeons, radiologists and oncologists who combine the latest science with their experience of treating the person, not the cancer.
Any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU treatment or NanoKnife treatment, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
Contact the team
Frequently asked questions
At The Focal Therapy Clinic, our multidisciplinary team (MDT) includes top urological specialists, a leading urological radiologist, and a urological oncologist who discuss your case in-depth during our MDT meeting and provide a more refined and personalised treatment recommendation.
A second opinion can help ensure you make the best-informed decision about your treatment, which is worth the short additional time in most cases. Our multidisciplinary team at The Focal Therapy Clinic can provide expert guidance on the appropriate timeline for your specific situation.
Alternatively, many patients choose to seek a private second opinion for faster access to specialist consultations and a multidisciplinary team review. At The Focal Therapy Clinic, we offer comprehensive second opinion consultations with our expert team of prostate cancer specialists, including review by our MDT of urological surgeons, radiologists, and oncologists.
Our experts provide a refined, personalised treatment recommendation based on your specific cancer characteristics (including Gleason score), PSA levels, scan results, and personal circumstances. This comprehensive approach ensures you have all the information needed to make the best decision for your care, with the confidence that comes from expert multidisciplinary review.
In more than 50% of cases, focal therapy can be a viable alternative to radical prostatectomy. For men looking to avoid the side effects of surgery such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, focal therapy may offer an effective and less invasive option while still providing good cancer control. A second opinion consultation can help determine if you’re a suitable candidate for focal therapy instead of surgery.
This team approach ensures that all aspects of your diagnosis are considered from multiple expert perspectives. Different specialists may identify treatment options or diagnostic tests that others might not be aware of. By discussing your case in-depth during our MDT meeting, we can provide a more refined and personalised treatment recommendation that considers all available evidence and treatment modalities including focal therapy, surgery, radiotherapy, and active surveillance.
