Prostate cancer stands as the most commonly diagnosed tumor and the third leading cause of cancer-related death in men, trailing only lung and colon cancers. A staggering one in eight men will face this diagnosis in their lifetime, with the majority of cases occurring after the age of 65.
As the prevalence of prostate cancer continues to rise, so too does the urgent need for innovative research and treatment options. The Clínica Universidad de Navarra is at the forefront of this effort, driving the advancement of focal therapy with scientific backing, noting that 85% of patients with prostate cancer treated with irreversible electroporation at this hospital have achieved tumor control in the target area. Remarkably, 100% of men who’ve undergone this procedure maintain urinary continence, and over 91% preserve their pre-treatment sexual function.
Irreversible electroporation is a non-thermal tissue ablation technique that destroys cells using short, high-voltage electrical pulses. The impressive medical successes of this approach have positioned the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra as a global leader in training urologists from around the world.
Focal therapy for prostate cancer is a viable option for patients with low-risk or intermediate-risk tumors, those with visible lesions on MRI scans, and who choose to avoid radical treatment. As Dr. Bernardino Miñana, Director of the Prostate Center and coordinator of the prostate cancer area at the CCUN, emphasizes, "Selecting the right patients for this treatment is key to success, which is why a rigorous characterization of the prostate cancer is essential. This involves extensive MRI and transperineal biopsy using fusion systems." Currently, more than 10% of prostate cancer patients seeking treatment at the CCUN undergo this targeted approach.
Beyond advancements in focal therapy, the Prostate Center continues to explore therapeutic strategies for higher-risk prostate cancer, aiming to save lives. This includes research on the combined use of surgery and radiotherapy, achieving high clinical success rates while protecting urinary continence in a significant number of patients. "Our center offers a comprehensive, 360-degree approach, delivering personalized treatment plans because every man, every tumor is unique," states Dr. Miñana.
Protons are increasingly gaining traction as a powerful tool in the fight against prostate cancer, offering a precise approach. Clinical experience demonstrates that proton therapy is highly effective in eradicating the disease while minimizing radiation exposure to surrounding healthy tissues, reducing potential side effects on urinary and sexual function.
Dr. Mauricio Cambeiro, a specialist at the Prostate Cancer Area of the CCUN, highlights the crucial advantages of proton therapy for prostate cancer: "Maximum control, minimal risks, and functional preservation—that is what makes this treatment approach stand out. The unique properties of proton therapy, coupled with advancements in the technology used to deliver it, allow us to pursue ambitious treatment goals, maximizing cure rates, minimizing complications, and enhancing the chances of preserving both erectile and urinary function for each individual patient."
Proton therapy is a specialized form of radiation therapy that utilizes subatomic particles with unique physical characteristics. Unlike conventional photon radiation therapy, proton therapy delivers a highly targeted dose, minimizing unnecessary radiation exposure to healthy tissues adjacent to the prostate, such as the rectum, intestines, bladder, or the neurovascular bundles responsible for erections.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special segment where we delve into the latest advancements in prostate cancer treatment. Today, we have the esteemed Dr. Bernardino Miñana, Director of the Prostate Center at Clínica Universidad de Navarra, joining us. Welcome, Dr. Miñana.
Dr. Bernardino Miñana: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed tumor in men. It’s alarming to think that one in eight men will face this diagnosis in their lifetime. What do you believe is driving this increasing prevalence?
Dr. Miñana: The rising prevalence can be attributed to several factors. First, our aging population plays a significant role, as most cases are diagnosed in men over 65. Additionally, improved screening methods lead to earlier detection and, in some cases, the diagnosis of indolent tumors that may not have been identified previously.
Editor: That makes sense. With the demand for innovative treatment rising, I’ve read about your pioneering work in focal therapy, particularly using irreversible electroporation. Could you explain how this technique works?
Dr. Miñana: Certainly. Irreversible electroporation is a non-thermal tissue ablation method that uses high-voltage electrical pulses to destroy cancerous cells. This technique is particularly beneficial because it effectively targets tumors while preserving surrounding healthy tissue, which is crucial for maintaining the patient’s quality of life.
Editor: That sounds promising. I was fascinated to learn that 100% of your patients maintain urinary continence post-procedure and over 91% preserve their pre-treatment sexual function. That’s a remarkable statistic!
Dr. Miñana: Indeed, it reflects our commitment to not only treating cancer but also ensuring our patients can maintain their quality of life after treatment. Achieving tumor control while minimizing side effects is our primary goal with focal therapy.
Editor: For which patients is this focal therapy particularly suitable?
Dr. Miñana: Focal therapy is appropriate for patients with low-risk or intermediate-risk tumors. Ideally, these patients present visible lesions on MRI scans and prefer to avoid more radical treatments. However, meticulous patient selection is essential, which involves rigorous MRI evaluations and transperineal biopsy using advanced fusion systems.
Editor: It’s great to hear that you emphasize patient selection. In addition to focal therapy, I understand that your team is exploring treatment options for higher-risk prostate cancer cases. What does that research entail?
Dr. Miñana: Yes, our Prostate Center is investigating various therapeutic strategies for higher-risk patients. We’re focusing on combining surgery with radiotherapy, aiming to enhance clinical success rates while also preserving urinary continence. This dual approach allows us to tailor treatments more effectively to individual patient needs.
Editor: It sounds like you are making significant strides in the field. Given your leadership at a global training center for urologists, how do you see the future of prostate cancer treatment evolving?
Dr. Miñana: I believe we will continue to see a shift towards more personalized medicine, with treatment plans tailored to the individual characteristics of each patient’s cancer. We’re also likely to witness greater integration of advanced imaging technologies and minimally invasive techniques, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Miñana. Your insights are invaluable, and it’s heartening to know that innovative treatments are progressing in the fight against prostate cancer.
Dr. Miñana: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this vital topic. It’s essential to raise awareness and foster understanding around prostate cancer and its treatments.
Editor: Absolutely. We look forward to following your work and the advancements coming out of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra. Thank you again, Dr. Miñana.
Dr. Miñana: Thank you for having me!