Phase II Trial of Focal Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer

The current standard of care treatment for prostate cancer confined to the prostate is surgical removal or irradiation of the entire prostate gland. This is effective at curing cancer but result in damage to critical adjacent structures such as the urinary sphincter muscle and erectile nerves resulting in impaired urinary continence and erectile dysfunction. The concept of focal therapy is to treat just the dangerous focus of cancer in the prostate while monitoring the rest of the gland, thus avoiding impairment of urinary continence and erectile function. We aim to evaluate the degree of preservation of continence and erectile function and early oncological outcomes in patients undergoing focal therapy of the prostate using cold energy or cryo- ablation. In this study, we seek to evaluate patient reported outcomes in urinary, sexual, bowel and general health areas at fixed time points after focal cryo-ablation in selected patients with low-volume, localized cancer. The primary goal of this study is to demonstrate whether there is a deterioration of scores in these health areas over 1 year of follow-up. The secondary goal is to measure cancer control at 1 year re-biopsy. Further goals include longer follow-up to monitor cancer progression rates and impact on patient survival.