Who may be considered
- Selected localized, MRI-visible prostate cancer
- Biopsy findings that match the imaging target
- Men willing to undergo rigorous post-treatment surveillance
MRI-guided focal therapy
Focal Laser Ablation
A laser fiber delivers controlled heat to a defined prostate cancer target while MRI thermal imaging monitors the developing treatment zone.
Precision through imaging and heat.
Targeted thermal ablation
MRI guidance and thermometry
Untreated prostate remains under surveillance
At a glance
How it works
A thin laser applicator is placed into the selected lesion under image guidance. Laser energy heats the target, and real-time MRI thermometry estimates temperature and tissue damage while protection limits heat exposure near critical structures.
The treatment is designed for carefully selected, localized disease. It is not equivalent to prostate removal, and cancer may remain or recur within or outside the treated area.
Energy
Laser heat
Guidance
MRI thermometry
Follow-up
PSA, MRI and biopsy
From Dr. Barqawi’s YouTube channel
MRI-guided laser treatment
This archived clip, published on Dr. Barqawi’s channel, illustrates focal laser treatment and MRI thermal monitoring.
Potential benefits
- Small, image-defined treatment field
- Real-time thermal monitoring
- Minimally invasive outpatient pathway in appropriate settings
Risks and limits
- Urinary symptoms, retention, infection or bleeding
- Erectile or ejaculatory changes and injury to nearby structures
- Limited long-term comparative evidence and risk of residual cancer
Evidence
An evolving focal-therapy option.
Published studies support technical feasibility and short- to intermediate-term cancer control in selected patients, but experience is smaller and long-term comparative evidence less mature than for surgery or radiation. Selection and follow-up protocols matter.
Confirm that the target is truly focal.
MRI, targeted and systematic biopsy findings, tumor position and treatment margins must align before focal treatment is considered.
Contact the clinicGeneral education only. Focal laser ablation is not appropriate for every prostate cancer, and long-term comparative evidence is limited.