Ablation for Prostate Cancer

Ablation treats prostate cancer using energy such as heat, cold, electricity, or ultrasound. The goal is to safely destroy cancer cells while preserving as much daily function as possible.

Not every patient is a candidate, but for selected men, it can control cancer without major surgery.

How Does Ablation for Prostate Cancer Work?

Ablation uses precise energy to target and destroy specific prostate tissue affected by cancer. Doctors use technologies like:

• High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Heats cancer cells
• Cryoablation: Freezes cancer cells
• Irreversible Electroporation (IRE): Uses electrical pulses

There are two main approaches: focal and whole-gland ablation. Focal ablation treats only the cancerous part of the prostate, preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Whole-gland ablation targets the entire prostate, similar in intent to surgery.

Who is a Candidate for Ablation?

The best candidates usually have localized prostate cancer that is visible on MRI and meets specific criteria, including:

• Intermediate risk, Grade Group 2–3 (cells moderately aggressive)
• PSA blood levels typically below 20 ng/mL
• A clearly identified lesion that can be targeted

Men with very low-risk cancer often benefit more from active surveillance. Those with high-risk features or cancer that has spread beyond the prostate typically need other treatments.

If you're likely eligible, the next step involves precise imaging and biopsies to map the tumor accurately.

How We Confirm Eligibility

Before treatment, you'll have a multiparametric MRI (mpMRI), a special imaging technique that helps locate and estimate the size of suspicious areas of prostate cancer.

Radiologists assign a PI-RADS score to any suspicious areas on the MRI, guiding doctors precisely to the cancer location. A targeted biopsy then confirms whether this suspicious area is cancerous.

Doctors also take additional systematic biopsies from around the prostate to rule out hidden cancer elsewhere. To reduce infection risks, we typically use a transperineal approach, taking samples through the skin instead of the rectum.

With a confirmed cancer map, we can discuss specific ablation approaches suitable for your situation.

Focal vs. Whole-Gland Ablation

Choosing between focal and whole-gland ablation depends on balancing quality of life and cancer control:

Both approaches leave options open for additional treatment if cancer returns or persists. Our goal is to help you make a well-informed choice aligned with your personal priorities and health goals.

Your Next Steps

Request a consultation to review your imaging, biopsy results, and eligibility for ablation. Our multidisciplinary team—including surgeons, radiation specialists, and medical oncologists—will collaborate with you and your local physician to design a personalized treatment plan.

Call 352-345-4565 or book an appointment now.