New non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer

New non-invasive treatment for prostate cancer
By Vimita Mohandas | Posted: 29 March 2011 1806 hrs
 
SINGAPORE: A new non-invasive treatment option for prostate cancer has been developed that minimises the side effects and down time for patients.

Seven patients with low risk prostate cancer took part in Phase one of trials conducted by the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) and National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS) last August.

Based on initial results, this non-invasive (magnetic resonance-guided focused) ultrasound method offers few complications.

In Singapore, prostate cancer is affecting its ageing population four times more frequently as compared to 30 years ago.

Existing treatment options for prostate cancer include surgical removal of the prostate gland and radiation therapy, and have lasting side effects.

However, the new treatment allows patients to resume their normal activities a couple of days after treatment, as compared to about two weeks for radical prostatectomy.

The new treatment allows doctors to visualise the tumour and surrounding tissue.

High levels of heat will then be concentrated on the cancerous tumour to destroy it, without affecting the surrounding healthy tissue.

Experts say the main benefit of the new technology is its accuracy in monitoring and adjusting treatments in real time.

The use of real-time 3D MR thermometry provides accurate monitoring of the treatment outcome and ability to adjust the treatment according to specific patient physiology in real time.

"When we treat, we are treating only the part of the gland with the cancer as opposed to the conventional treating methods like surgery or radical prostatectomy where the patients undergo surgery to remove the whole gland and those are associated with increased incidence of incontinence and impotence," said Dr Kwek Jin Wei, senior consultant radiologist for National Cancer Centre Singapore.

Phase two trials started last month and upon its successful completion, the option is expected to be made available to patients in about two years.

- CNA/cc

- wong chee tat :)