The 4 major focal therapies for prostate cancer: a revolution in private urology
- Sioufi Urologie - Clinique privée
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
At Sioufi Private Clinic, we are proud to offer cutting-edge treatments for localized prostate cancer, including focal approaches that target the tumour without unnecessarily affecting healthy tissue.
Unlike radical treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy, focal therapies are minimally invasive, often performed on an outpatient basis, and aim to preserve the patient's quality of life.
Here is an overview of the four main focal therapies used in specialized clinics like ours:
1. Irreversible Electroporation (IRE) – NanoKnife®
Offered at the Sioufi Urology Clinic, this treatment uses short electrical currents to create micro-perforations in the membrane of cancer cells. Unlike other techniques, NanoKnife® is non-thermal: it does not generate heat, which preserves the erectile nerves, the urinary sphincter, and healthy tissue. It is a high-precision solution guided by MRI-ultrasound fusion, ideal for patients who wish to avoid the side effects of surgery.
2. Cryotherapy
This approach relies on freezing cancer cells using probes inserted into the prostate. By lowering the temperature to extreme levels, the tumour cells are destroyed. It is effective, but can cause more side effects than NanoKnife®, especially regarding erectile function.
3. HIFU (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound)
HIFU uses targeted ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancer cells. It's a thermal alternative to cryotherapy and IRE. It's effective in localized cases, but the patient's anatomical constraints sometimes limit its accuracy.
4. Focused Laser Ablation (FLA)
This less common technique uses a laser beam to heat and eliminate cancerous tissue under MRI guidance. It is still undergoing large-scale evaluation but offers a good safety profile.
Why choose a private clinic specializing in urology?
The Sioufi Private Clinic offers recognized prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment expertise, with rapid access to cutting-edge technologies such as NanoKnife®. Under the supervision of Dr. Richard Sioufi , a certified urologist and pioneer in MRI-ultrasound fusion biopsy in Quebec, each patient benefits from a personalized, human and rigorous care pathway.
Which focal treatment is best for me?
The choice of focal therapy depends on several factors: the volume and location of the tumour, your general health, your priorities (preservation of erectile function, avoidance of surgery, etc.) and the results of advanced imaging such as prostate MRI.
At the Sioufi Private Clinic, each patient receives a comprehensive assessment with Dr. Richard Sioufi to determine whether a treatment like NanoKnife® is indicated or whether another approach would be more appropriate. This decision is made together, based on your specific situation and expectations.
