Guy's sees first use in Europe of pioneering laser therapy to treat prostate cancer

An effective and minimally invasive therapy to treat prostate cancer has been used in a European hospital for the first time.

Of the first 10 patients with localised prostate cancer treated by the ProFocal laser therapy, 8 have had their cancer completely eradicated in the treated area, with only a minimal amount remaining for the other 2. 

Focal therapy has been used for a number of years to effectively treat prostate cancer while aiming to avoid side effects such as incontinence and impaired sexual function, which can occur with traditional options like radiotherapy or removal of the prostate.

However, unlike other focal therapies, the ProFocal laser system delivers laser energy directly into the tumour through a fine laser fibre housed within a cooled metal rod.

The rod is inserted through the perineum, which is guided by MRI and ultrasound imaging to the cancerous area. The rod then uses controlled laser energy to destroy the tumour while causing minimal damage to the surrounding prostate tissue.

The procedure takes around one hour, is performed under a light general anaesthetic and allows patients to return home the same day.

Whilst other focal therapy systems use different approaches and energy sources to treat cancer in different areas of the prostate, the ProFocal Laser System can be applied to all regions of the prostate, including areas that may be more difficult to reach. The potential cost savings offered by a single integrated treatment platform could also help make focal therapy available to a wider range of patients.

Rick Popert, senior consultant urological surgeon at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The aim of focal therapy is simple: to treat the cancer effectively whilst preserving as much normal prostate tissue and function as possible.

“I first saw the ProFocal Laser in Australia over 4 years ago and was immediately impressed by the technology. After three years of planning, regulatory approvals and support from Guy’s Cancer Charity, it’s brilliant to have now been able to introduce the first NHS use of this technology at Guy’s.

“Although these are still early results, we have been greatly encouraged by what we have seen. Tests have shown the therapy is very effective at removing a significant amount of the cancer with minimal impact on urinary continence or sexual function, which is so important for patients we treat here.

“Long-term testing is needed to understand how durable these early results are, but it’s very possible this technology could become an important new option for some patients with localised prostate cancer."

Among the first patients to be treated by the ProFocal laser was Alex McWhirter, 77, a semi-retired travel journalist. Alex was diagnosed with localised prostate cancer in early 2025 and after discussing several treatment options with his team at Guy’s, he was enrolled into the ProFocal pilot.

Speaking about his experience, Alex said: "It’s a shock to be diagnosed in the first place, but once you start researching treatment options it can get quite disheartening. I really didn’t want radiotherapy given how difficult it can be, so I was thrilled when I spoke to Dr Popert about this pilot. 

“Given the side effects of most treatments, I couldn’t believe how straightforward the ProFocal therapy was. The surgery was simple, I went home right afterwards and apart from minimal blood in my urine the night afterwards I’ve had no side effects at all, and my scans so far are all clear.

“Compared to the other options, such as surgical removal of the prostate or radiotherapy, this really feels like a huge leap forward and I feel really lucky that I was able to access this through Guy’s.”

Patients will continue with regular follow-up, including MRI at one year, to assess the long-term durability of these encouraging early results.

The ProFocal Laser Therapy System was purchased through a £125,000 donation from the London Freemasons, administered by Guy’s Cancer Charity and comes as Guy’s Cancer Centre celebrates its tenth anniversary this month. Since 2016, Guy’s Cancer Centre has been key to driving innovation in treatment for a wide range of cancers, giving patients access to cutting edge treatments backed by world-leading research.

The programme represents the first NHS evaluation of the ProFocal Laser System and aims to generate the high-quality clinical evidence required to determine its future role in the treatment of localised prostate cancer.