A groundbreaking success in prostate cancer research comes from Spain: researchers at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN) have developed an innovative technique that can effectively stop aggressive prostate cancer without the need for surgery. This pioneering method promises a significant improvement in the quality of life for patients.
Excellent Results with Focal Therapy
The data presented by CCUN are highly promising: up to 80% of prostate cancer cases treated with focal therapy were successfully controlled. An impressive 60% of patients are disease-free after treatment. Particularly noteworthy is the minimal burden on patients: 100% maintained their urinary continence, and 97% retained their sexual potency – aspects often severely affected by conventional therapies.
Dr. Bernardino Miñana, director of the Prostate Cancer Area at CCUN, presented these results at the National Congress of Urology, as reported by Navarra.com. He emphasized that these data can be considered “excellent,” as even patients who experience a relapse can still be treated with focal therapy or resort to more conventional options.
Focal Therapy: A Gentle Alternative to Surgery and Radiation
Focal therapy is a minimally invasive procedure that specifically treats only the affected area of the prostate. This avoids the need for complete removal of the prostate or radiation of the entire organ. The technique is applied through irreversible electroporation, HIFU (high-frequency, high-energy ultrasound), or cryotherapy. The precision of these techniques significantly minimizes side effects, particularly concerning sexuality and urinary function.
Despite the promising results, there are still challenges. Miñana pointed out the lack of access to adequate diagnostic equipment in many hospitals, high technical complexity for certain tumors depending on their location, and the multifocality of the cancer itself, which often presents multiple undetectable foci.
Prostate Cancer in Spain: A Growing Challenge
Prostate cancer is a widespread disease: it is estimated that up to one in eight Spanish men will develop it in their lifetime. It primarily affects men over 65, so the aging of the population in Spain is leading to an increase in cases, making the development of new, effective, and less invasive treatment methods even more urgent.
Clínica Universidad de Navarra: An International Reference Center
Over the past decade, the Prostate Center at Clínica Universidad de Navarra has developed into a world leader in urology. Focal therapy has been used in up to 10% of patients, especially those with low or intermediate-risk tumors visible by magnetic resonance imaging who wish to avoid radical treatments.
“The key,” says Miñana, “lies in rigorous patient selection.” To this end, a comprehensive characterization of the tumor is performed using magnetic resonance imaging and transperineal biopsies with fusion systems. The expert emphasizes the clinic’s philosophy: “Every man, every prostate, and every tumor is unique. That’s why we offer a truly personalized approach in each case.” This individualized medicine has contributed to Clínica Universidad de Navarra’s worldwide recognition.
