"TFT" refers to Targeted Focal Therapy. A new approach for managment of early stage organ confined prostate cancer. It involves freezing only the areas of cancer within the prostate and sparing the rest of the prostate. The rational behind this approach is to preserve quality of life by minimizing collateral damage to the vital structures around the prostate such as the bladder, urinary sphincter, nerves in the vicinity of the prostate and the rectum.
This is a novel research project resembling lumpectomy in breast cancer.
It is based on the newly developed three dimensional mapping biopsy of the prostate gland
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 iv sedation, 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 your questions to Dr. Barqawi click here.
To Learn more about this research trial from the media click here