Prostate Cancer & Incontinence

To determine if you are a good candidate for focal therapy, here are the key factors to consider:

1. Cancer Stage and Grade
   Focal therapy is most suitable for men with early or intermediate-stage prostate cancer.
   Ideal candidates have a Gleason score of 7 or lower (Grade Groups 1–3), indicating low- to intermediate-risk cancer.
2. Tumour Location and Size
   The cancer should be confined to the prostate and visible on an MRI.
   It works best for single, localised tumours rather than multi-focal or large tumours.
3. PSA Levels
   Candidates typically have a PSA level of 20 ng/mL or lower.
4. No Evidence of Spread
   The cancer must not have spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other areas.
5. Overall Health
   Your general health and fitness are important to ensure the safety and success of the treatment.
6. Preference for Less Invasive Treatment
   Focal therapy is ideal for men who want to avoid the side effects of surgery or whole-gland radiation.

If you meet these criteria, you may be a good candidate. However, eligibility requires further assessment through tests like an MRI, biopsy, and possibly a PSMA PET CT scan to confirm the cancer’s size, location, and aggressiveness.

Yes, focal therapy is available at The Focal Therapy Clinic. The clinic specialises in advanced, minimally invasive treatments like HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) and NanoKnife. These treatments target cancer precisely while preserving healthy prostate tissue, reducing side effects like incontinence and erection problems.

Experience of the Team

• The clinic’s urologists are among the most experienced in the UK, with over 20 years of expertise in focal therapy.
• They use cutting-edge MRI-US fusion technology for precision treatment.
• Clinical results are excellent, with 90% of men being free from clinically significant prostate cancer one year after treatment.
• Side effects are minimal, with less than 2% experiencing incontinence and 95% maintaining erectile function.

The team includes world-leading specialists like:

• Mr. Tim Dudderidge (Southampton and South West)
• Mr. Marc Laniado (London and West Country)
• Mr. Raj Nigam (London, South East, and Scotland)
• Mr. Alan Doherty (Midlands and North of England)

If you’re considering private treatment, The Focal Therapy Clinic offers faster access and highly experienced consultants.

Focal therapy can often be repeated if prostate cancer comes back. Around 1 in 5 men may need another treatment after their initial focal therapy. This is because focal therapy targets only the visible cancer, preserving the rest of the prostate.

If cancer recurs, retreatment with focal therapy is a common option. It allows for precise targeting of new or remaining cancer while still avoiding the side effects of more invasive treatments. Additionally, having focal therapy doesn’t rule out other treatments like surgery or radiotherapy in the future, giving you flexibility in managing your cancer.

The success rates and side effects of focal therapy depend on your specific case, such as your Gleason score, PSA level, and tumour location. Here’s a general overview:

Success Rates

• Cancer Control: 88% of men avoid further treatment (like surgery or radiotherapy) for at least 5 years after one or more HIFU sessions.
• Survival: 98% have no cancer spread, and 99% are still alive overall.
• Gleason 6 or 7 Cancers: Success rates are even higher for these lower-risk cases.

Potential Side Effects

• Urinary Control: Only 2% of men need a pad for leaks.
• Erection Problems: Rare, with most men maintaining function.
• Temporary Symptoms: Mild discomfort, increased urination, or blood in urine for a few days.
• Incontinence: Very rare (<2%) and only for a short period.
• Repeat Treatment: Around 25% may need another session later.

Focal therapy is designed to treat cancer effectively while preserving your quality of life.

After focal therapy, follow-up care is essential to monitor your recovery and check for any signs of cancer returning. Here’s what you can expect:

Follow-Up Schedule

1. PSA Tests:
   Every 3 months during the first year to track progress.
2. MRI Scans:
   Typically done at 9–12 months to confirm all cancer has been removed.
3. Biopsy:
   Only if the MRI scan shows something unusual.
4. Regular Checks:
   Monitoring urinary and sexual function to ensure recovery is on track.

This schedule helps catch any signs of recurrence early. If cancer does return, further focal therapy or other treatments like surgery or radiotherapy remain options.