ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the technical aspects, oncologic outcomes, and functional outcomes with regard to various focal therapy modalities in the treatment of prostate cancer. It is important to note that focal therapy for prostate cancer remains in various stages of clinical trials and is currently standard of care for the management of prostate cancer. Focal therapy for prostate cancer has been proposed for various clinical scenarios, including primary treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer, secondary treatment for recurrence, cytoreduction in more advanced or metastatic disease, as well as for palliation. Focal therapy indicated for primary treatment of clinically localized prostate cancer has the most robust body of evidence and hence will be the focus of this chapter. Cryoablation is an United States Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment for prostate cancer, and as its name implies, achieves tissue ablation by exposing target lesions to extreme hypothermia. Whole-gland brachytherapy has long been used as a standard of care treatment for clinically localized prostate cancer.
