Recent findings presented by Dr. Guillaume Ploussard at the french Urology Congress highlight the promising results of High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (Hifu) for localized prostate cancer treatment. In a study involving 3,328 patients, Hifu demonstrated non-inferiority to customary prostatectomy, with a 24% lower risk of requiring additional treatment. Notably, patients treated with Hifu experienced less erectile dysfunction and incontinence, despite being older on average than those undergoing surgery. Additionally, the innovative robot-assisted prostatectomy technique showed superior oncological outcomes and cost-effectiveness, according to the Ecorepar study funded by the Ministry of Health. These advancements could reshape prostate cancer management, pending further evaluations and insurance approvals.
Recent findings indicate that robotic surgery significantly reduces the risk of death and recurrence by 15% compared to open surgery over an eight-year follow-up period. Additionally, the overall mortality risk decreased by 21% following robot-assisted procedures. While the total cost of open surgery was slightly higher at €39,853 compared to €39,301 for robotic surgery, the long-term benefits in survival rates are prompting experts like Professor Grégoire Robert from Bordeaux’s CHU to advocate for a shift away from open prostatectomy. He emphasizes the need for the French health system to recognize the cost-effectiveness of robotic surgery, which, despite its initial high equipment costs, offers better oncological outcomes and could lead to national healthcare savings. The study aims to encourage the Assurance Maladie to consider covering the additional costs associated with this innovative surgical approach.
Q&A with Dr.Guillaume Ploussard on Advances in prostate cancer Treatment
Time.news Editor (TNE): Dr. Ploussard, thank you for joining us too discuss your recent findings on High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) and robotic surgery for localized prostate cancer. Can you start by summarizing the key findings of your study presented at the French Urology Congress?
Dr. Guillaume Ploussard (GP): Thank you for having me. Our research included data from 3,328 patients and demonstrated that HIFU is non-inferior to conventional prostatectomy. Remarkably, patients undergoing HIFU had a 24% lower risk of requiring additional treatments post-procedure. We also found that HIFU patients experienced significantly less erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, which is especially noteworthy considering thay were older than their counterparts who underwent surgery.
TNE: Those results sound promising.How does HIFU compare to the robotic-assisted prostatectomy that you also mentioned in your findings?
GP: While HIFU shows excellent functional outcomes, the robotic-assisted technique presents superior oncological outcomes. The Ecorepar study, funded by the Ministry of Health, revealed that robotic surgery has a 15% lower risk of death and recurrence compared to open surgery over an eight-year follow-up. Additionally, the overall mortality risk drops by 21% with robot-assisted procedures.
TNE: That’s compelling data. It truly seems there is a broader conversation to be had about cost-effectiveness as well, especially with robotic surgery. How does it stack up financially?
GP: Indeed, the financial aspect is crucial. While the total cost of open surgery is slightly higher at €39,853 compared to €39,301 for robotic surgery, the long-term survival benefits associated with robotic techniques could translate into significant healthcare system savings. I believe this highlights the need for the French health system to reconsider the cost-effectiveness of robotic surgeries.
TNE: So, moving towards robotic surgery could have both health and economic benefits? What steps need to be taken to encourage this shift?
GP: We need to advocate for recognition of robotic surgery within the French health system so that the Assurance Maladie considers covering the additional costs associated with these innovative techniques. Gathering further evidence thru studies and emerging data will be essential in making a case for cost coverage based on their long-term benefits.
TNE: As a medical expert, what advice would you offer to prostate cancer patients evaluating their treatment options?
GP: My advice would be for patients to engage actively in discussions with their healthcare providers about the pros and cons of both HIFU and robotic surgery. Understanding the risk factors, potential side effects, and individual health conditions is essential. It’s also significant to consider their quality of life post-treatment, as both techniques can offer significant advantages.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Ploussard,for sharing your insights with us. It’s clear that advancements in prostate cancer management, particularly concerning HIFU and robotic surgery, hold the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes.
GP: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss these exciting developments in prostate cancer treatment.