European first prostate cancer treatment

Pilots and trials of new therapies are vital in improving the care we can give our patients.

As a world-leading research organisation, Guy’s and St Thomas’ helps thousands of patients access cutting edge treatments through these schemes – patients like Chris Bearfoot.

When Chris was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year, it came as a surprise.

He said: “It started with a routine blood test from my GP, which had been clear the previous 2 years, and even this one was only just outside the risk area for cancer.”

Chris had several scans and biopsies that confirmed he had prostate cancer, so he was referred to the Cancer Centre at Guy’s for treatment.

After discussing choices with his clinical team, Chris opted for a new laser treatment that is being piloted at Guy’s Hospital – the first time a European hospital has used this pioneering technology.

The ProFocal machine, which until now has only been used in Australia, uses a fine laser to target and destroy the cancerous areas of the prostate, while leaving the organ undamaged.

Guided by MRI and ultrasound imaging, the procedure takes about an hour under a light general anaesthetic. Any side effects are minimal, and most patients can go home the same day.

“It was all very straightforward,” Chris said. “I was originally considering a different treatment, but once the ProFocal therapy was explained I was adamant that was what I wanted and joined the pilot.”

He added: “So far nothing has shown on my scans. I feel very lucky that I was able to get involved through Guy’s and I’m very appreciative to the charities that helped make this possible.”

Early findings from the pilot have been encouraging. Among the first 10 patients treated, no cancer was detected in the treated area for 8 of the men, with only a minimal amount remaining for the other 2.

The clinical team emphasises that further study is needed, and patients will continue to have regular checks.

Mr Rick Popert, senior consultant urological surgeon who is leading the pilot at Guy’s and St Thomas’, said: “Although these are still early results, we have been greatly encouraged by what we have seen. It is very possible this technology could become an important new option for some patients with localised prostate cancer.”

The £125,000 ProFocal system was made possible by a donation from the London Freemasons Charity, administered by Guy’s Cancer Charity. Charitable support helps teams at Guy’s Cancer Centre move promising ideas from research into patient care, fund specialist equipment and create opportunities to test new approaches safely.

Ongoing evaluation of this new treatment will help build the evidence needed to understand which patients may benefit and what role the ProFocal therapy could play in future NHS care for our patients and patients across the country.