ABSTRACT
The use of minimally invasive ablative therapies in localized prostate and renal cancer offers the potential to reduce side effects and the healthcare burden associated with traditional surgical modalities. This article reviews outlines the therapeutic dilemmas facing patients with localized low volume prostate cancer and renal tumors and provides a comprehensive review of the basic science of cryotherapy, high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), radiofrequency ablation and emerging technologies such as photodynamic therapy. These ablative technologies can deliver a minimally invasive, day case treatment with low morbidity. This chapter reviews the results of each modality in each of prostate cancer and renal tumors both in terms of side effects and cancer control.
