Focal therapy is a targeted treatment approach for prostate cancer that focuses on treating only the specific areas of the prostate affected by cancer, rather than the entire gland. It aims to preserve healthy tissue and minimise side effects associated with more aggressive treatments. Techniques like HIFU, NanoKnife or laser ablation are used to precisely treat the cancer cells in the targeted region.

Focal therapy is considered for localised cases and offers a potentially less invasive treatment option while maintaining quality of life.

Focal therapy is a fairly new approach to treating cancer and isn’t widely available in NHS hospitals in the UK. The latest imaging techniques are now used to guide procedures so that cancerous cells within the prostate can be targeted with precision and accuracy.

For self paying patients, the costs are;

£14,000 for HIFU treatment
£15,000 for NanoKnife treatment

Focal therapies are covered by most major health insurance providers in the UK.

Tune in to the On Focus prostate cancer podcast for interviews with patients, doctors and campaigners, a series exploring the often unexplored challenges and opportunities facing men with prostate cancer.

Focal therapies:

High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for medium to large prostate cancers, guided by advanced 3D MRI imaging, destroying cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues.

NanoKnife, a focused, intense electro-pulsation treatment for early to intermediate-stage prostate cancers in hard-to-reach areas of the prostate, guided by 3D MRI imaging, destroying cancer cells while protecting healthy tissues.