Survey Highlights Growing Shift Towards Focal Therapy

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A recent, joint study conducted by the University of Cincinnati, the University of Chicago, and the University of Michigan has revealed growing favorability for therapies like focused ultrasound in treating prostate cancer. 

Using a survey of members of the American Urological Association, the study shows that the percentage of urologists using focal therapies to treat prostate cancer has increased from 24 to 43 percent since 2019.

Additionally, the survey found that:

• 68% of respondents answered that focal therapies are moderately, very, or extremely beneficial.
• 83% held that focal therapies like high-intensity focused ultrasound will be a standard-of-care option in the future.
• The uptick in utilization is attributed to better visualization technologies for diagnosis and treatment. 
• Focused ultrasound was the most common focal therapy modality mentioned by respondents.
• Approximately 40% of respondents who do not offer focal therapies currently indicated they plan on adding them to their practice in the future.

These results suggest a shift toward treatments that may improve patient outcomes. Traditionally, prostate cancer has been treated with radical approaches such as surgery or radiation, which often cause unpleasant genitourinary side effects that can impact the patient’s quality of life. Over the past decade, focal therapies—such as focused ultrasound—have emerged as alternatives for men with cancer confined to a specific area of the prostate. By targeting only the affected region, these treatments help minimize side effects while still treating the underlying condition.

For more information, see the full summary of the study here: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11778692/

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