A recent trial in Australia has unveiled a promising new treatment for prostate cancer that significantly reduces side effects. Developed through a collaboration between the University of Western Australia, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, and Nepean Hospital, this innovative therapy, known as ProFocal laser therapy, uses pinpoint laser technology to target cancer cells specifically, preserving healthy tissue.
Prostate cancer has emerged as the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, with over 26,000 cases expected to be recorded in 2024. This statistic equates to approximately 98 cases per 100,000 people in Western Australia alone. Traditionally, men diagnosed with grade two or three prostate cancer often face treatments that can damage the entire prostate, leading to long-term complications such as incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
In this latest clinical trial involving 100 patients, the results were encouraging. After three months, 84 percent of participants exhibited no clinically significant signs of prostate cancer, with a notable reduction in adverse effects compared to conventional treatments. Only about 12 percent of men reported erectile dysfunction, and there was a 4.5 percent decrease in urinary function.
According to Jonathan Kam, a corresponding author from Nepean Hospital, “This new technology is very promising with excellent cancer control while preserving patients’ quality of life.” He emphasized that patients now have a treatment option that poses a minimal risk of the side effects commonly associated with traditional prostate cancer therapies.
While these initial findings are promising, the researchers concluded that further long-term follow-up is essential. This will help determine whether the cancer returns and if patients experience any lasting side effects.
As the research progresses, the implications for prostate cancer treatment could be significant, offering hope for improved patient outcomes and a better quality of life for those affected by this prevalent disease.
