Surveillance after Focal Therapy - a Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Urology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• No standardized follow-up protocols exist for patients after focal therapy (FT) for prostate cancer (PCa).
• Current monitoring relies on institutional experience and protocols.
• This review addresses advantageous follow-up strategies and their rationale post-FT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a comprehensive literature review on follow-up strategies after focal therapy for prostate cancer.
• To evaluate oncological and functional outcomes, and complication monitoring.
• To provide evidence-based recommendations for post-FT patient management.

Main Methods:

• Narrative literature review investigating various FT follow-up protocols for PCa.
• Analysis of oncological outcomes (PSA, MRI, biopsy), functional outcomes, and complications.
• Evaluation of imaging modalities and biomarker utility.

Main Results:

• Oncological success defined by absence of significant PCa in the treated zone.
• Recommended follow-up includes periodic PSA, multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) at 6-12 months, and prostate biopsy at 12 months.
• Functional outcomes assessed via questionnaires; complications monitored early post-treatment.

Conclusions:

• Focal therapy follow-up requires integrated clinical, radiological, and histological assessment.
• Further studies are needed to establish standardized, evidence-based follow-up protocols.
• Risk-adapted approaches are crucial for personalized patient management.