Focal Therapy for Prostate Cancer: A Study on Suitability
Author Information
Author(s): Catto J W F, Robinson M C, Albertsen P C, Goepel J R, Abbod M F, Linkens D A, Davis M, Rosario D J, Warren A Y, Varma M, Griffiths D F, Grigor K M, Mayer N J, Oxley J D, Deshmukh N S, Lane J A, Metcalfe C, Donovan J L, Neal D E, Hamdy F C
Primary Institution: University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
Hypothesis
Can focal therapy be appropriately applied to men with PSA-detected localized prostate cancer?
Conclusion
Focal therapy is generally inappropriate for most men with PSA-detected localized prostate cancer, as many lesions are either more aggressive than expected or pose little threat of progression.
Supporting Evidence
- 19% of men had solitary cancers suitable for focal therapy.
- 33% of men had tumors potentially suitable for focal therapy.
- 26% of men were overtreated based on selection criteria for focal therapy.
Takeaway
This study looked at men with prostate cancer and found that most of them are not good candidates for a less invasive treatment called focal therapy. Many have cancers that are either too serious or not serious enough for this treatment.
Methodology
The study analyzed surgical specimens from 525 men who underwent prostatectomy to determine tumor volume, location, and grade.
Potential Biases
The study avoided biasing the sample towards high-risk tumors by using a population-based cohort.
Limitations
The study may underestimate the proportion of solitary or insignificant cancers present in contemporary practices.
Participant Demographics
Men aged 50-69 years diagnosed with prostate cancer through PSA testing.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 6–16%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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