J Ryan Mikus MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Jacqueline Sue Aoughsten RN, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Eric Michael Walser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

To assess the short-term side effect outcomes of focal laser ablation (FLA) for the treatment of prostate cancer versus conventional treatment.

Records of 140 referrals for evaluation for MR-guided prostate cancer FLA were retrospectively reviewed. FLA was performed on 23 patients (16%). Clinical follow-up for patients receiving FLA was performed post-intervention, with follow-up periods ranging from 3 months to one year. Clinical course and complications were reviewed. All patients had Sexual health in men scoring (SHIM) and International prostate symptom scoring (IPSS) before and 2-12 months after FLA.

100% technical success was achieved (23/23). No major complications (including adverse effects on sexual function, urinary function, and bowel function) were observed in any of 23 patients after FLA at 2 month post-intervention (0%). 3 patients experienced minor complications after FLA—one urinary tract infection successfully treated by oral antibiotics; hematuria for 3 days, self-limited; and urinary urgency with incontinence for 3 days, self-limited. Historical data for prostatectomy, external beam radiation, and brachytherapy demonstrates at least moderate adverse effects on sexual function (29%, 30%, 39%, respectively), urinary function (59%, 28%, 34%), and bowel function (3%, 16%, 15%), at 2 months post-intervention.  There was no significant difference in SHIM scores and IPSS scores before and up to 12 months after FLA (p<0.05).

Focal laser ablation of prostate cancer has high technical success, and the short-term effects of FLA on sexual, urinary, and bowel function are favorable in comparison to conventional therapy for prostate cancer.

Focal laser ablation of prostate cancer is a promising new technique, primarily due to its superior side-effect profile, as demonstrated. Long term follow-up and efficacy data is forthcoming. 

Mikus, J, Aoughsten, J, Walser, E, Focal Laser Ablation of Prostate Cancer- Short Term Outcomes versus Conventional Therapy.  Radiological Society of North America 2014 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, - ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2014/14045624.html