Current evidence for focal laser ablation and vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy for localized prostate cancer: review of literature published in the last 2 years. Issue 2 (March 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Candela, Luigi; Kasraeian, Ali; Barret, Eric
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in urology. Volume 32:Issue 2(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-03
• Subjects: focal therapy -- laser ablation -- photodynamic therapy -- prostate cancer -- review; Urology -- Periodicals; Review Literature -- Bibliography; Review Literature -- Periodicals; Male Urogenital Diseases -- Bibliography; Male Urogenital Diseases -- Periodicals; Female Urogenital Diseases -- Bibliography; Female Urogenital Diseases -- Periodicals; Urologic Diseases -- Bibliography; Urologic Diseases -- Periodicals; Periodicals; 616.6005
• DOI: 10.1097/MOU.0000000000000964
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1473-6586

Abstract

Abstract : Purpose of review: Currently, a significant number of patients are diagnosed with unilateral and apparently unifocal low or intermediate-risk prostate cancer (PCa). These patients are suitable for focal therapy, thus preventing radical treatment side effects without affecting cancer control. Among focal therapy energy sources, laser-based technologies have shown promising outcomes. We aimed to summarize recent data on focal laser ablation (FLA) and vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) for PCa. Recent findings: We selected eight studies reporting data on 1155 patients with PCa who underwent laser-based focal therapy. Five studies were on FLA and three on VTP (six prospective and two retrospective series); four reported both oncologic and functional outcomes whereas in three only oncologic and one only functional outcomes were discussed. Follow-up protocols and durations varied widely among the studies. PCa recurrence rates ranged between 20 and 56%. Urinary and erectile function were preserved after treatment, and complications were mild and transient. A lack of high-quality data on long-term oncological outcomes still remains, thus further highlighting the need for prospective controlled studies. Summary: FLA and VTP are well tolerated procedures with excellent functional outcomes. However, both procedures showed a significant rate of PCa recurrence, thus demonstrating a certain grade of oncologic control failure of the procedure and/or nonoptimal patients' selection.