Novel MRI-US Fusion-Guided Focal Cryoablation Demonstrates Good Oncological Control and Safety Profile

Strategic Insights -

A recent study has shed light on the efficacy and safety of magnetic resonance imaging-ultrasonography (MRI-US) fusion-guided focal cryoablation in treating localized prostate cancer. The research, published in BJU International, assessed the outcomes of 50 men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer who underwent the procedure between December 2020 and September 2023. The study found that the 2-year failure-free survival rate was 96%, with a 6% in-field recurrence and 12% out-of-field recurrence rate at 1 year. Urinary function fully recovered at 3 months, and 85% of men with baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men score 17 recovered erectile function at 1 year.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study enrolled 50 men with low- to intermediate-risk prostate cancer who underwent MRI-US fusion-guided focal cryoablation between December 2020 and September 2023.
  • The 2-year failure-free survival rate was 96% (95% confidence interval [CI] 90.7-100%).
  • The 1-year protocol biopsy showed a 6% in-field recurrence (IFR) and 12% out-of-field recurrence (OFR) rates.
  • Urinary function fully recovered at 3 months, and 85% of men with baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men score 17 recovered erectile function at 1 year.
  • All complications (26%) were Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade 1-2.
  • No significant difference in FC outcomes was observed between surgeons.
  • Learning curves were demonstrated primarily for ablation time with a decrease of 1.44 min per case (95% CI -1.98 to -0.90).

Statistics:

  • 50 men with localised prostate cancer were enrolled in the study.
  • The 2-year failure-free survival rate was 96% (95% CI 90.7-100%).
  • 6% in-field recurrence and 12% out-of-field recurrence rates at 1 year.
  • Urinary function fully recovered at 3 months.
  • 85% of men with baseline Sexual Health Inventory for Men score 17 recovered erectile function at 1 year.
  • 26% of complications were Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events Grade 1-2.
  • No significant difference in FC outcomes between surgeons.
  • Ablation time decreased by 1.44 min per case (95% CI -1.98 to -0.90).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Findings from Michael J. Schwartz and Co-Authors in the Area of Prostate Cancer Reported (Novel MRI-US fusion with advanced annotation in focal cryoablation for prostate cancer: medium-term outcomes and learning curve insights). Cancer Weekly. October 21, 2025; p 541.
  • Novel MRI-US fusion with advanced annotation in focal cryoablation for prostate cancer: medium-term outcomes and learning curve insights. BJU International, 2025.
  • BJU International. Published by Wiley, 111 River St, Hoboken 07030-5774, NJ, USA.