How does Focalyx differ from traditional prostate cancer treatments?

Treatment Approach

• Focalyx uses a focal therapy approach, combining MRI and ultrasound imaging to precisely guide the doctor in destroying only the tumor inside the prostate—sparing healthy tissue and reducing side effects.
• Traditional treatments like prostatectomy (surgical removal of the prostate) or radiation therapy often treat the entire prostate gland — affecting both cancerous and healthy tissue.

Procedure and Recovery

Focalyx:

• Minimally invasive
• Outpatient procedure (60–90 minutes)
• No abdominal incisions
• Fast recovery: typically within a few days
• Minimal post-procedure discomfort
• Reduced long-term side effects

Traditional treatments:

• Invasive surgery
• Multiple radiation sessions
• Hospitalization required
• Longer recovery times
• Greater side effects

Side Effects

• Focalyx is designed to preserve urinary and sexual function, as it avoids damaging nerves and the surrounding healthy tissue.

Traditional treatments often carry higher risk of:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Impotence
• Urinary incontinence
• Bowel issues
• Infection

Effectiveness

• Focalyx reports that 86% of patients are cancer-free five years after the procedure.
• Traditional methods also have high cancer control rates, but often at the cost of quality of life.

Quality of Life

• By preserving the healthy tissue within the gland, Focalyx maintains and often improves the patients urinary and sexual functions.
• Traditional treatments may be more aggressive and can lead to significant lifestyle changes.

What is the mission behind developing the Focalyx system?

• Preserving the physical integrity and quality of life of the patient is top priority.
• We understand that prostate cancer impacts more than just the prostate. That’s why we pursue the well-being of our patients by not only treating prostate cancer but also maintaining and improving their sexual and urinary functions.

Ideal Candidate Profile

1. Localized Prostate Cancer

• Cancer is confined within the prostate (typically low- to intermediate-risk).
• Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer made with FocalyxBx technique – recognized by AUA University
• PSA levels < 20 ng/ml
• No evidence of cancer spread outside the prostate (i.e., not metastatic).

2. Visible Tumor on MRI

• A clear, well-defined tumor visible through multiparametric MRI imaging that corresponds with biopsy results. This is crucial for effective planning and precise targeting.

3. Favorable Gleason Score

• Usually Gleason 6 or 7 (3+3, 3+4 or 4+3).
• Higher Gleason scores require enrollment into our high-risk protocol

4. Desire to Preserve Quality of Life

• Patients who want to avoid urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and major surgery.
• People who value their everyday activities and want little to no disruption in their daily lives.
• May be especially appealing to younger or sexually active men.

Not Ideal For

• Aggressive or metastatic cancer
• Poor MRI visibility of the tumor, thus a Focalyx Bx may be required prior to treatment
• Significant urinary or other prostate complications

Final Assessment

Only a urologist or prostate cancer specialist can determine candidacy after:

• Multiparametric MRI
• PSA test
• Targeted biopsy
• Medical history evaluation