Focal therapy in prostate cancer: Development, application and outcomes in the United Kingdom

Prostate cancer is a significant health issue in the United Kingdom, with rising incidence rates prompting the exploration of innovative treatment options. Focal therapy has emerged as a targeted approach that aims to treat localised prostate cancer while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue and subsequent adverse side effects. Focal therapy is National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)-approved treatment modality for patients with intermediate-risk localised prostate cancer. This is an evolving field, reflecting the rapidly improved understanding of both the trajectory patients face following a diagnosis of prostate cancer, and how best to apply ablative techniques. In this narrative review, we evaluate the historical development, current practices, clinical outcome reported in UK-based studies, and future directions of focal therapy for prostate cancer in the United Kingdom, highlighting its evolution as a viable treatment option.