AL B. BARQAWI MD FRCS(Glasg)
Treat Only The Cancer And Preserve Quality Of Life
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Cryotherapy
 
Targeted Focal Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions


 

Q: Who would qualify for TFT?

A: Patients who are diagnosed with early stage prostate cancer with focal disease within the prostate may qualify.

 

Q: What do i need to do to qualify for the targeted focal cryotherapy?

First, you need to undergo a 3D mapping biopsy of the prostate after a discussion with your doctor.

You should have:

1- Small cancer volume of less than 30% of the total prostate volume.

2- Localized prostate cancer areas which are confined to the prostate.

3- The cancer is at safe distance from the vital organs, such as the urethra and rectum.

 

Q: How many patients with initial biopsy of the prostate showing low risk disease are found to have much more extensive disease based on the 3D mapping biopsy?

A: We performed 3D mapping biopsies on more than 150 patients with newly diagnosed  focal and low risk disease.  Not surprisingly,  65/150 men (43%) where found to have more extensive or agressive disease, These men needed more agressive treatment such as radical surgery or radiation.

 

Q: What are the complications seen after the mapping biopsy?

A: The mapping biopsy is performed under light sedation, you are discharged from hospital the same day and the majority of patients recover within 24 hours.  However, few patients (5-10%) experience bleeding in the urine that is usually self-limiting within 24-48 hours. We did not have any cases of infection, however, it is a potential risk for any invasive procedure, even when minimal.

 

Q: What are the side effects seen after TFT?

A: Typically, patients are treated in 2 hours and send home the same day. The majority of the patients resume their daily activities within 24 hours.  None of the patients treated so far at our center developed any serious adverse events such as urinary incontinence or rectal injury. The majority (80% of the cases) of the patients recovered the level of sexual activity they had before the operation within 3-6 months.

 

Q: Is this procedure done anywhere else in the US?

A: Yes, in few private practices around the US, some urologists attempted to treat one side of the prostate and perform extensive biopsy on the contralateral (other) side of the prostate. Our study is the first trial of targeted focal cryotherapy performed at an academic institution and received approval of the local ethical (IRB) and scientific (PRMC) committees.

 

To submit and post your questions to Dr. Barqawi 

click here

 

To Learn more about this research trial  click here