A Targeted, Precision-Based Approach to Prostate Cancer Treatment
At Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, we are committed to providing you with the most advanced treatments and personalized care. Focal therapy is one of the most cutting-edge options available for the treatment of localized prostate cancer. By focusing treatment on the cancerous area and sparing healthy tissue, it can help preserve your quality of life while offering effective cancer control.
While still considered emerging in global guidelines, focal therapy is available at our state-of-the-art medical center, where we combine expert care with the latest technology.
1. What is Focal Therapy?
Focal therapy (FT) is an innovative treatment designed to target and treat only the cancerous tissue, while preserving the surrounding healthy prostate tissue. This approach reduces the risk of side effects often associated with traditional treatments like radical prostatectomy or whole-gland radiation.
Using the latest technology, we offer a variety of energy-based therapies:
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
- Cryotherapy (Freezing therapy)
- Irreversible Electroporation (IRE, NanoKnife)
- Laser therapy in specialized cases
Our expert team tailors the treatment to your needs, ensuring maximum precision and care.
2. Who is a Suitable Candidate for Focal Therapy?
Focal therapy may be suitable if you meet the following criteria:
- Localized cancer confined to one area of the prostate
- Low- or intermediate-risk cancer
- Cancer that can be clearly identified through advanced imaging such as MRI and targeted biopsies
Our specialists will evaluate your PSA levels, MRI scans, and biopsy results to determine whether focal therapy is the best treatment option for you.
At Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, we offer a comprehensive, personalized approach to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
3. Benefits of Focal Therapy
Focal therapy offers many potential benefits, especially for patients with early-stage prostate cancer:
- Minimized side effects: Compared to full-gland treatments, focal therapy significantly reduces the risk of urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction.
- Faster recovery: The procedure is minimally invasive, and many patients return to normal activities within days.
- Future treatment options remain available: Focal therapy preserves your options for future treatments if needed, such as surgery or radiation.
We use state-of-the-art technology to ensure that your treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible.
4. Risks and Side Effects
As with any medical procedure, focal therapy carries some risks. However, because the treatment targets only the cancerous tissue, many patients experience fewer side effects than with more invasive treatments. Possible side effects include:
- Urinary symptoms: Temporary difficulty urinating or mild discomfort
- Sexual side effects: Changes in erectile function or ejaculation
- Infection or bleeding: Rare, but possible during the recovery phase
- Retreatment: In some cases, further treatment may be necessary if the cancer recurs
Our team will be with you every step of the way, providing the highest level of care and ongoing monitoring to ensure optimal results.
5. What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Before Treatment:
- Comprehensive assessments, including PSA testing, MRI scans, and biopsy
- A detailed discussion of all available treatment options to help you make an informed decision
During Treatment:
- Most procedures are performed under general or spinal anesthesia
- Our experts use advanced imaging to guide the treatment precisely, ensuring minimal impact on healthy tissue
After Treatment:
- You may return home the same day or after a short stay
- Temporary urinary catheterization may be required
- Most patients recover quickly, with many resuming normal activities within days
6. Follow-Up Care
At Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, we believe in comprehensive care. After focal therapy, you will be closely monitored with regular PSA tests, MRI scans, and possibly follow-up biopsies. This ensures early detection of any recurrence and keeps your treatment options open.
FAQs: Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Q1. Is focal therapy right for me?
Focal therapy is best suited for early-stage, localized prostate cancer. Our experts will evaluate your specific case, including MRI and biopsy results, and guide you through your treatment options.
Q2. What are the chances of a cure with focal therapy?
While focal therapy provides excellent cancer control for many patients, no treatment can guarantee a complete cure. Follow-up care is essential to monitor for any recurrence of cancer.
Q3. How does focal therapy compare to surgery or radiation?
Focal therapy offers a minimally invasive approach that focuses on cancer control while preserving quality of life. It may not be suitable for high-risk cancers, but for low- to intermediate-risk cases, it offers a highly effective alternative with fewer side effects.
Q4. Will I lose urinary control after treatment?
Most patients maintain excellent urinary control after focal therapy, with a significantly lower risk of incontinence compared to traditional treatments like surgery or radiation.
Q5. Will focal therapy affect my sexual function?
Focal therapy aims to preserve erectile function by sparing the nerves responsible for erections. While some patients experience mild changes, many retain good sexual function after treatment.
Q6. Can I undergo other treatments later if needed?
Focal therapy preserves the option for future treatments such as surgery or radiation, should they be necessary. However, it’s important to follow up regularly with your specialist team to monitor your condition.
Book a Consultation with Our Experts
Considering focal therapy for your prostate cancer?
At Bangkok Hospital Pattaya, we offer expert consultations to help you understand your treatment options and make informed decisions. Our team of specialists will guide you every step of the way, ensuring world-class care in a comforting, premium environment.
