The Focal Therapy Clinic Care Pathway
Wherever you are in your prostate cancer journey, we are here to help you understand your options and make a confident decision about your treatment. You may have lots of questions about your experience so far and your results, as well as whether focal therapy could work for you. Your health is personal, and needs a tailored approach and personalised care. That’s why our patient advocate and clinical teams are here to understand your requirements and support you wherever you need it.
The Process
- 01 - Treatment Options
- 02 - Visiting Us
- 03 - Your Consultation
- 04 - Before Treatment
- 05 - On The Day
- 06 - Recovery
- 07 - After Your Treatment
Mr Raj Nigam Where can I get focal therapy
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Care Treatment options
SUMMARY
Mr. Raj Nigam (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Focal therapy is widely available in the UK, offered both privately and within the NHS. Leading centers include University College London, Imperial College London, and other expanding locations such as Southampton, providing patients with more treatment options.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge What are the treatment options for prostate cancer
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Care Treatment options
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Prostate cancer treatment options include watchful waiting, active surveillance, whole-gland treatments (surgery, radiotherapy), and focal therapy, which targets cancer while sparing healthy tissue. The best approach depends on the stage of cancer, patient health, and quality-of-life considerations.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Eva What are the steps between initial contact and a consultation
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Care. Visiting us
SUMMARY
Ms. Eva Tomopoulou (Patient Advocate, The Focal Therapy Clinic): We first assess your suitability for focal therapy, then request your biopsy and MRI records via a simple form before scheduling your consultation. This ensures a personalized approach to your prostate cancer treatment journey.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Eva Do I need a referral to come to The Focal Therapy Clinic
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Care. Visiting us
SUMMARY
Ms. Eva Tomopoulou (Patient Advocate, The Focal Therapy Clinic): No referral is needed for an initial consultation, but one may be required for treatment. Our office is happy to assist in managing the referral process if necessary, ensuring a smooth experience for patients.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Eva Where is the Focal Therapy Clinic located
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Care. Visiting us
SUMMARY
Ms. Eva Tomopoulou (Patient Advocate, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Our Centers of Excellence are in London, Birmingham, and Southampton. Consultations can be remote or in person, and treatments are primarily performed at these specialized centers, ensuring expert-led care in convenient locations.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Eva How Do I make an appointment
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Care. Visiting us
SUMMARY
Ms. Eva Tomopoulou (Patient Advocate, The Focal Therapy Clinic): To check if focal therapy is right for you, fill out the form on our website or call us. Our team aims to respond to most patients on the same day, ensuring timely access to expert guidance and treatment options.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Eva How can I prepare for the consultation to get the most out of it
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Care Your consultation
SUMMARY
Ms. Eva Tomopoulou (Patient Advocate, The Focal Therapy Clinic): You dont need to bring documents to your consultation, as we will have already accessed your records. However, bringing a family member or friend can be beneficial for asking questions and absorbing information, ensuring you feel fully informed and supported.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Marc Laniado What happens when I come to you for a consultation
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Care Your consultation
SUMMARY
Mr. Marc Laniado (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): I assess PSA, MRI, and biopsy results to determine whether focal therapy is suitable or if whole-gland treatment (surgery/radiotherapy) is necessary. Patient preferences play a key role in decision-making, ensuring a personalized approach to prostate cancer care.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge How should I prepare for focal therapy
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Care: Before Treatment
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Before focal therapy, youll receive fasting instructions and arrival details. Avoid a heavy meal the night before, and if you have any questions, check with the ward nurses to ensure youre fully prepared for your procedure.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge What happens on the day of a focal therapy treatment
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Care: On the Day
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Focal therapy is a day-case procedure performed under general anesthesia, typically lasting 6090 minutes. A catheter is required for 57 days, and most patients resume normal activities soon after, making it a minimally invasive and efficient treatment option.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
05 Mr Tim Dudderidge Do I need a general anaesthetic for focal therapy
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Care: On the Day
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): **Most patients can safely undergo general anesthesia for HIFU, NanoKnife, and cryotherapy**. **Spinal anesthesia is not suitable for HIFU or NanoKnife but may be an option for cryotherapy**.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge What happens during focal therapy
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Care: On the Day
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Focal therapy procedures last 6090 minutes under anesthesia, using MRI-ultrasound fusion to precisely target cancer. HIFU, cryotherapy, and NanoKnife effectively destroy cancer cells while preserving healthy tissue, offering a minimally invasive alternative to surgery or radiotherapy.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge Recovery after focal therapy
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Care: Recovery
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Pain after focal therapy is uncommon, but bladder spasms are the most frequent discomfort, typically lasting 2448 hours. Antispasmodic drugs and simple painkillers help manage symptoms, ensuring a smoother recovery.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge How long does it take to recover from focal therapy
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Care: Recovery
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Recovery after focal therapy is quick. Most patients resume light activities within a week and return to normal physical activity soon after. Some may experience temporary urgency or fatigue, but side effects are typically mild compared to traditional treatments.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge Will I need to wear a pad after focal therapy
00:00:32
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Care: Recovery
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Post-surgery pad use is usually due to sphincter damage, leading to long-term incontinence risks. In contrast, focal therapy may cause only temporary urgency-related leakage, with most patients regaining full bladder control quickly. Website: https://www.thefocaltherapyclinic.co.uk LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/the-focal-therapy-clinic/ Facebook: facebook.com/TheFocalTC Telephone: +44 (0) 207 036 8870 #FocalTherapy #ProstateHealth #MinimallyInvasive #MensHealth #ProstateCancerTreatment #Urology
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Tim Dudderidge When can I go home after focal therapy
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Care: After your treatment
SUMMARY
Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Most patients go home within a few hours after focal therapy, once theyve eaten, had fluids, and been shown how to use the catheter. Those traveling far may choose to stay in a nearby hotel overnight for added convenience and comfort.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Marc Laniado Will I need help getting or maintaining an erection after focal therapy
00:00:41
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Care: After your treatment
SUMMARY
Mr. Marc Laniado (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): Most men regain normal erections within a few months after focal therapy, though medications can help. By one year, function is usually restored, with rare cases needing further treatment or additional support.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
Mr Raj Nigam After focal therapy what tests are done to see if it was effective
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Care: After your treatment
SUMMARY
Mr. Raj Nigam (Consultant Urologist, The Focal Therapy Clinic): We closely monitor all focal therapy patients with regular PSA tests and MRI scans to track treatment success. If recurrence occurs (510%), further focal therapy or traditional treatments like surgery or radiotherapy remain viable options, ensuring flexible and effective cancer management.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Read more.
“Active surveillance may be highly effective in monitoring cancer, but for me, it was doing my head in — constantly worrying, not sleeping properly, and with my mind taking me to some very dark places.”
Perry Letcher
The Focal Therapy Clinic patient
Booking your consultation
The first step in getting focal therapy is requesting a callback to discuss your situation. You can do this by leaving us a message or completing the form at the bottom of every page. We know you’ll be anxious about your cancer, so you should hear from our patient advocate team within one working day.
If you might be suitable for focal therapy, they will send you a form to complete and start the process of accessing your existing test results. This means your consultant can review them ahead of your consultation.
For your first consultation, you can see one of our consultants in person or virtually, so you don’t have to travel. Having a private consultation doesn’t stop you getting NHS treatment in the future, and getting a second opinion can help you make a confident decision about your treatment.
The consultation
At your consultation, one of our expert urologists will discuss your cancer and any treatment options you are already exploring. All of our clinical team are experienced in other kinds of prostate cancer treatment, including prostatectomy, radiology and hormone therapy, as well as focal therapy, so they will be able to answer any questions you have. They can discuss what side effects you might expect for each one, and understand your particular lifestyle and needs.
This makes them better able to make personalised recommendations about your treatment plan at the MDT.
Your MDT
A multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting involves everyone that could be involved in your care discussing your case to make sure that every option is considered. At The Focal Therapy Clinic, this includes your consultant, as well as other members of our clinical team. We won’t discuss your case until after your consultation, so we’ve had the chance to understand what’s important to you and make personalised recommendations.
Something else that makes our MDTs unique is that we hold them virtually. This means that we can invite experts from across the UK to share their input and help us consider all of your options properly. From reviewing your mpMRI and matching it up with your biopsy results, to understanding your personal life and how it might be affected by different treatments, we can be confident in the recommendations that we make.
Getting a procedure
After the MDT, we’ll discuss our recommendations with you. If you decide to have focal therapy, we will help you schedule your procedure and make sure you’re fully prepared about what to expect before, during and after.
You have the option to choose where you have your treatment, but not all our consultants and all treatments are available everywhere.
Find out how much focal therapy costs at The Focal Therapy Clinic
Learn more
Learn more about the procedure and recovery for HIFU
HIFU
Learn more about the procedure and recovery for NanoKnife
NanoKnife
Any questions?
If you’ve got any questions about your prostate cancer diagnosis or want to know more about HIFU or NanoKnife, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly, knowledgeable team.
