Focal and ablative therapy
Target the tumour, spare healthy tissue where it is safe and appropriate
Focal therapy means treating a defined part of an organ rather than removing the whole organ or giving whole-gland radiation. The right approach depends on imaging, pathology, tumour type and your preferences. This site explains the ideas in plain language.
Modalities on this site
Each page is written to stand alone. Your specialist will explain which options, if any, apply to your scans and notes.
HIFU
High Intensity Focused Ultrasound for the prostate in selected cases.
IRE (NanoKnife)
Irreversible electroporation when a non-thermal field is planned on imaging.
Cryotherapy
Freezing tissue, including salvage settings discussed in the literature.
Focal laser
MRI-guided laser ablation strategies for localised prostate cancer.
TOOKAD VTP
Vascular-targeted photodynamic therapy as a focal prostate strategy.
Focal brachytherapy
Partial-gland seed placement where radiation oncology supports the plan.
Where focal approaches are discussed
Use the organ hubs for context. Not every patient is suitable for focal treatment.
Prostate cancer
mpMRI, targeted biopsy and focal strategies including HIFU and IRE.
Kidney tumours
Small renal masses and percutaneous ablation options.
Liver tumours
Lesions near vessels or ducts where ablation is considered.
Pancreatic cancer
Locally advanced disease and where IRE may be discussed.
Hear NanoKnife explained
Short video (YouTube). Playing loads content from YouTube.
About your specialist
Dr Raji Kooner is a urological surgeon in Sydney. He practises through Urology NSW and holds public and private hospital appointments. A broader biography and publications list are on rajikooner.com.au.
Whether any focal modality is appropriate for you can only be decided after review of imaging, pathology and your preferences. Use contact or second opinion to reach the rooms.