Magnetic resonance imaging-guided transurethral ultrasound ablation (TULSA) uses real-time MR thermometry feedback to target prostate disease. We systematically review the literature to synthesize efficacy, functional, and safety outcomes and assess the influence of planned ablation fraction on outcome.
PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched from inception to June 2021 following PRISMA guidelines. Studies reporting at least one efficacy, functional, or safety outcome after a single TULSA treatment were included. The relationship of freedom from salvage treatment and potency preservation to planned ablation volume was modeled.
224 patients were treated in 10 studies with up to 5-year follow-up, mainly for primary localized prostate cancer (PCa) plus smaller cohorts with recurrent PCa, and locally advanced PCa (LAPC). The PSA decline from baseline up to 2 years including focal to whole-gland ablation plans was 54%-97%. The rate of salvage treatment after one TULSA treatment for primary PCa was 7%-17%. Continence and potency preservation were 92-100% and 75%-98%. Urinary symptoms were stable in men with good voiding function at baseline, and 85% of men with concurrent PCa and lower urinary tract symptoms met criteria for improvement. Symptom relief in a small cohort of men with LAPC was observed. Grade III adverse events were incurred by 13/224 men (6%), with no rectal injury/fistula or Grade IV complication. The planned ablation fraction was linearly related to salvage-free survival. The relationship between potency preservation and planned ablation fraction followed a sigmoid curve.
As an alternative to conventional treatments, TULSA is safe and effective for prostate tissue ablation in men with primary PCa. There is also evidence that TULSA delivers effective relief of urinary while treating PCa in a single, low-morbidity procedure. The likelihood of freedom from additional treatment or potency preservation is associated with the planned ablation fraction.
Journal of endourology. 2022 Jan 14 [Epub ahead of print]
Chandler Dora, Gina M Clarke, Gregory Frey, David Sella
Mayo Clinic Florida, 23389, 4500 San Pablo Road, Department of Urology, Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Florida, United States, 32224-1865; ., Profound Medical, 483382, 2400 Skymark Avenue, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L4W 5K5; ., Mayo Clinic Florida, 23389, Jacksonville, Florida, United States; ., Mayo Clinic Florida, 23389, Jacksonville, Florida, United States; .
PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/35029127