Terapia focale

Focal therapy is a modern, minimally invasive treatment option for prostate cancer, based on the use of high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU).

This technique allows for the precise destruction of cancerous tissue without damaging surrounding healthy structures. It is increasingly used in Switzerland as an alternative to surgery, with fewer side effects and a shorter recovery time.

What Is Focal Therapy?

Focal therapy represents a significant development in the treatment of localised prostate cancer. For patients in Switzerland seeking a balance between effective cancer control and preservation of quality of life, this method offers a promising solution. Technologies such as Focal One®, a robotic HIFU system, allow clinicians to treat only the affected areas of the prostate, avoiding unnecessary damage to healthy tissue.

Prostate cancer: early detection and individualised care

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men in Switzerland. Early detection, accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to improve outcomes.

Focal therapy enables an individualised and precise therapeutic approach, reducing the risks and side effects often associated with more invasive treatments such as surgery or radiation.

Anatomical view of the prostate with prostate cancer

Symptoms

Prostate cancer may cause one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Frequent or difficult urination
  • Pelvic discomfort or pain
  • Erectile dysfunction or other changes in sexual function

These symptoms should be evaluated by a specialist. 

Why Choose Focal Therapy Over Traditional Treatments?

Focal therapy, particularly with the use of Focal One® technology, offers a robotic solution for high-intensity focused ultrasound ablation. This method precisely targets cancerous tissue while preserving the essential functions of the prostate. In the case of localised cancer, it is an alternative to more invasive treatments such as surgery, offering a rapid recovery process and promising results.

Focal Therapy Methods We Offer: High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)

HIFU uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancerous tissue within the prostate. Guided by real-time imaging such as mpMRI or ultrasound, this method allows for precise ablation with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.

Benefits of focal therapy (HIFU)

  • Minimally invasive

  • Preserves urinary and sexual function

  • Reduced recovery time

  • Precise targeting with Focal One® technology

  • Fewer side effects than surgery or radiotherapy

  • Possible as an outpatient or short-stay procedure

Who is a Candidate for Focal Therapy?

Focal therapy is not suitable for everyone, but it can be an excellent option for carefully selected patients. Ideal candidates typically have:

  • Localised, low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer (Gleason 6 or selected 7)
  • Visible, well-defined lesion(s) on MRI or confirmed by targeted biopsy
  • Limited tumour volume and no evidence of metastasis

Focal therapy is often considered for patients who want to preserve urinary and sexual function while avoiding or delaying radical treatments such as prostatectomy or radiation.

Our urologists use multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), fusion biopsies, and PSA analysis to determine eligibility.

Follow-Up and Recovery

After focal therapy, recovery is generally quick and minimally disruptive. Most patients return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days.

Immediate Recovery

  • Mild discomfort or urinary symptoms (frequency, urgency) may occur but typically resolve within a week.

  • Pain is usually minimal and managed with over-the-counter medication.

Follow-Up Monitoring

Regular follow-up is essential to ensure successful treatment and detect any potential recurrence:

  • PSA Testing: Blood tests are performed every 3–6 months to monitor prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. A significant drop is expected after treatment.

  • mpMRI Scans: Multiparametric MRI imaging is done at 6–12 months to assess tissue response and identify any suspicious areas.

  • Targeted Biopsy: In some cases, a follow-up biopsy may be recommended to confirm the absence of residual cancer.

Long-Term Outlook

Focal therapy allows many patients to maintain excellent quality of life, with lower risks of incontinence and erectile dysfunction compared to radical treatments. However, because focal therapy treats only the visible tumour, continued monitoring is critical.

FAQ

What is focal therapy?

Focal therapy is a targeted treatment method that uses high-intensity focused ultrasound to remove only the cancerous areas of the prostate.

What are its advantages?

This therapy reduces side effects, preserves healthy tissue and improves quality of life.

Is the procedure painful?

No, it is generally well tolerated and minimally invasive.

How is the procedure performed?

Using the Focal One® system, focused ultrasound waves are directed at the tumour tissue, heating and destroying it without affecting surrounding healthy areas.

Will it affect my sexual or urinary function?

Focal therapy aims to preserve key structures, significantly reducing the risk of erectile dysfunction or incontinence compared to radical treatments.

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