Laser-focused ablative therapy for prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia: A review of current applications and future directions

Focal Laser ablation (FLA), or interstitial Laser thermotherapy, is a promising minimally invasive approach for the treatment of localized prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. This technique is gaining popularity among patients due to its ability to preserve pre-treatment quality of life. The examination is performed under magnetic resonance imaging (in bore) or ultrasound guidance, via a percutaneous transrectal or transperineal route. Under transperineal ultrasound guidance, FLA can use up to four Laser fibers to create confluent zones of tissue ablation, enabling treatment of larger prostate- or tumor volumes. Primary indications for FLA include intermediate-risk localized prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia refractory to medical treatment due to ineffectiveness or side effects. The intervention is typically performed under light sedation or under locoregional anesthesia. FLA lasts approximately 10 min, with a total intervention time of < 60 min on an outpatient basis. Patients are often discharged with either a suprapubic or bladder catheter to prevent urinary retention, especially if the ablated area is close to the urethra. Minor complications are rare and limited to transient voiding dysfunction, urinary tract infection, or hematuria. Major complications, such as rectoprostatic fistula, are avoided by rectoprostatic hydrodissection. FLA is an effective, well-tolerated option in the minimally invasive treatment of prostate disease, offering rapid treatment times, low complication rates, and preservation of quality of life for appropriately selected patients. However, variability in recurrence rates following FLA for prostate cancer highlights the need for further investigation into optimal patient selection for this treatment.