Saturation biopsy does not accurately localize tumors

摘要

Precise localization of prostate cancer is essential for the success of focal therapies. Despite suggestions that saturation biopsy might be useful in this regard, a new study implies it cannot accurately pinpoint prostate tumors. Research efforts would perhaps be better focused on identifying which patients require treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer in the first place. Local prostate cancer treatments, such as radical prostatectomy and conventional radiation, have well-documented adverse effects on the neighboring urinary and reproductive systems. As a consequence, both patients and clinicians seek alternatives that promise the 'trifecta'-good cancer control combined with preservation of both urinary and sexual function.Focal ablative therapies, such as cryoablation and high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), that target the tumor alone rather than the entire prostate have generated considerable discussion but no compelling data from these approaches have been published to date.