Decade-long NHS trial finds less invasive prostate treatment as effective as surgery with fewer side effects

A major 10-year NHS study has found that focal therapy, a less invasive treatment for prostate cancer, is as effective as traditional surgery or radiotherapy while causing significantly fewer side effects. The trial, led by Imperial College London and involving nearly 3,500 men, followed patients over a decade to compare outcomes.

Focal therapy uses high-intensity ultrasound or freezing cryotherapy to destroy cancerous tissue, targeting only the tumor rather than the entire prostate. BBC News reported that the approach cuts the risk of side effects, such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction, that are common with more aggressive treatments.

BBC NewsTargeted prostate cancer treatment cuts risk of side effects, study suggests

Despite the promising results, the treatment is currently used for only about 1,000 men a year in the UK, according to bbc.co.uk. The study's findings could lead to wider adoption of focal therapy as a standard option for suitable patients.

The trial's scale and duration provide strong evidence for the efficacy of the procedure. With prostate cancer being one of the most common cancers in men, the potential to reduce treatment-related harm without compromising cancer control is a significant development.

bbc.co.uk noted that the research could reshape clinical guidelines, potentially offering many more men a choice between focal therapy and more invasive options. The study was conducted within the NHS, underscoring its relevance to public healthcare systems.