August 2024
The new paper by Japanese researchers from the University of Tokyo, recently published in Nature - Scientific Reports is entitled “Win Ratio Analysis of Short-Term Clinical Outcomes of Focal Therapy and Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy for Patients with Localized Prostate Cancer” and compares focal therapy, specifically Sonablate HIFU, with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) for localized prostate cancer.
While previous studies have demonstrated that using HIFU to ablate prostate tissue can yield similar or better results compared to surgery or radiation, functional outcomes (such as continence and sexual function) have typically been evaluated separately from oncological outcomes. The objective of this new study was to compare the comprehensive outcomes of Sonablate HIFU and RARP in patients with localized prostate cancer using a win ratio analysis.
Key Highlights:
- After 36 months, there is no significant difference in failure-free survival between patients who underwent RARP and those who had Sonablate HIFU for prostate tissue ablation.
- Quality of life scores for urinary function are significantly better in the HIFU group compared to the RARP group.
- The win ratio for the composite endpoint of oncological and functional outcomes showed that focal therapy with HIFU was associated with better treatment effects than RARP.
The results of this win ration analysis by the Japanese researchers are promising for many patients facing a decision about their upcoming therapy. This comprehensive evaluation of both oncological and functional outcomes provides valuable insights for patients and clinicians making a risk-benefit assessment. As such, Sonablate HIFU represents a promising alternative to traditional surgical methods, potentially offering a more favorable balance between treatment success and quality of life.
Read more in Nature:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-67592-8
