A recent study conducted by researchers from Imperial College London and published in the Journal of Medical Economics has revealed that minimally invasive focal therapies for prostate cancer offer a lower overall cost and improved quality of life for patients. The study compared focal therapies such as cryotherapy and High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) to surgery or radiotherapy and found that the former options were associated with reduced costs and enhanced quality of life. By targeting only the cancerous areas of the prostate using cryotherapy or HIFU, the surrounding healthy tissue remains unaffected, resulting in minimal damage to nerves, blood vessels, and muscles. Consequently, focal therapy carries a lower risk of urinary, sexual, and bowel side effects compared to prostatectomy surgery or radiotherapy. Despite these benefits, the utilization of focal therapy for prostate cancer in the UK remains limited, with surgical removal or radiation of the entire prostate gland being more common. In this recent study, researchers analyzed data from over 1,300 patients treated at five hospitals between 2006 and 2018, collaborating with Boston Scientific and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. They developed an economic model to compare costs and outcomes of focal therapy, prostatectomy surgery, and radiotherapy for up to 10 years post-treatment. By incorporating patient information, published literature, and clinical expertise, the team predicted treatment pathways, costs, and treatment results in terms of effectiveness and quality of life. The findings indicated that focal therapy, whether using cryotherapy or HIFU, offered a lower overall cost and greater patient benefit than surgery or radiotherapy, highlighting its potential as a favorable treatment option.
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