New Prostate Cancer Treatment Option Available at LVHN

Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) it the first in Pennsylvania to offer a noninvasive, state-of-the-art prostate cancer treatment that precisely targets the disease with a low risk for complications or side effects.

The Focal One system uses robotic-assisted high-intensity focused ultrasound to attack cancerous growths, while sparing the rest of the organ.

The incidence of prostate cancer grew 3 percent each year from 2014 to 2019, reversing a period of decline, according to urologist Angelo Baccala, MD, Chief, Division of Urology, LVHN. Pennsylvania is in the top five states for prostate cancer, and 288,000 cases are predicted in the U.S. this year.

Focal One may be an appropriate treatment option for these individuals, depending on the location and quantity of the cancer

High-intensity focused ultrasound is a noninvasive and effective option for prostate cancer treatment. It uses an ultrasound probe to scan the prostate and deliver high-intensity sound waves to a targeted area.

The probe is inserted into the rectum and doesn’t require an incision. The magnitude of ultrasound energy delivered rapidly raises the temperature at the focal point, causing cell damage and cell death, without damaging healthy tissue and structures outside the targeted area.

It offers a wealth of benefits to people with prostate cancer, including a low risk for side effects such as incontinence or erectile dysfunction, precise robotic targeting of prostate tissue with real-time ultrasound monitoring, and less time away from work and leisure activity. Individuals can typically be discharged shortly after the procedure, which is conducted under general or spinal anesthesia.

Focal One adds another treatment option but isn’t expected to become the dominant treatment choice. It’s not for everyone. That’s why LVHN also offers single-port (one incision) robotic surgery. Individuals who undergo this minimally invasive procedure may be discharged the same day. According to Dr. Baccala, single-port prostate surgery is not available at many other health networks in the region.

Conversely, some people may only require surveillance and active monitoring. “There are better alternatives now that may not even require cutting,” Dr. Baccala says. “Men’s urologic issues in general, and prostate issues in particular, are getting a lot more attention today, and that’s a good thing.