Lesion Targeted Focal Cryotherapy

Abstract

  Safety and efficacy of cryoablation technology have been improved remarkably based on, first, the introduction of real-time image guidance by transrectal ultrasonic tomography, and, second, the development of the third generation of cryoablation equipment that allows two cycles of freezing and thawing using high-pressure-gas. These innovations have resulted in its being covered by health insurance along with radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy in Europe and the United States to be recognized as an important treatment option.

  Furthermore, technological innovations in focal therapy include the visualization of clinically significant prostate cancer lesions by multi-parametric MRI and the establishment of new technology for MRI and ultrasound image fusion. Supported by these, the concept of Targeted Focal Cryotherapy to achieve “both cancer control and preservation of sexual function and urinary function” was established.