Current Status of Minimally Invasive Treatment Options for Localized Prostate Carcinoma

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the leading malignancy in men today and an increase in detected localized prostate cancers is expected in the years to come. Even though radical prostatectomy is an effective treatment, it is associated with a considerable morbidity in some cases and efforts are made to provide minimally invasive alternative treatment options with equal efficacy but fewer side effects.Methods: Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate (CSAP), brachytherapy, high–intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) and radiofrequency interstitial tumor ablation (RITA) were evaluated after a literature review from a Medline Search (1966–1998). Furthermore, personal experience and latest data from the authors were taken into account.Results: All alternative treatments nowadays make use of sophisticated technology, including the latest ultrasound devices for exact planning and monitoring of treatment, leading to increased safety compared to treatments in the 1960s and 1970s. Five–year results of CSAP show a PSA