Research facilitated by Lawson Health Research Institute at the London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC) has resulted in a new minimally invasive treatment option for patients with localized prostate cancer. Transurethral magnetic resonance (MR) guided ultrasound ablation treatment uses a new ablation device that uses thermal ultrasound therapy with real-time MR image guidance to eliminate cancer cells in the prostate gland. It provides physicians with a 360 degree viewing angle that allows the whole prostate gland to be treated in one session and with great accuracy. This reduces the significant long-term complications that normally accompany conventional treatments and also benefits patients with a smaller amount of cancer that is less likely to spread. The first procedure was done as part of a clinical trial approved by Health Canada and sponsored by Profound Medical Inc. with subsequent treatments performed in an experimental setting. An upcoming clinical trial will treat 30 patients with localized prostate cancer and follow their progress for the course of a year.
