Developing evidence
Long-term comparative outcomes are not yet as mature as for standard treatments.
Image-guided thermal ablation under clinical evaluation
Microwave Ablation
Targeted microwave ablation uses a thin transperineal applicator to heat a precisely planned prostate lesion under image guidance.
Clear information for an informed decision
Important context
A precise thermal technique with developing evidence
Microwave energy creates controlled heat around an applicator placed into the prostate. MRI-ultrasound fusion and real-time tracking are used to position the treatment zone around the confirmed lesion.
Early studies evaluate feasibility, precision, cancer control and functional outcomes. Compared with established surgery and radiotherapy, long-term evidence is still limited, so the method should be discussed in the context of specialist programmes, registries or clinical studies.
Transperineal access
The applicator reaches the target through disinfected perineal skin.
Fusion guidance
MRI information is combined with live ultrasound for planning and placement.
Who may be suitable?
Suitability cannot be decided from a single PSA value or one line in an MRI report. A urologist needs the complete clinical picture.
Who may be suitable?
- ✓Tumour position allows an adequate safety margin around the planned ablation zone.
- ✓Systematic sampling has assessed relevant cancer outside the target.
- ✓The patient understands the uncertainty and commits to intensive follow-up.
- ✓The cancer is localised and the target lesion is clearly visible and biopsy-confirmed.
Not every patient needs the same treatment
- !Cancer can persist in or outside the treated area.
- !Repeat treatment or salvage surgery/radiotherapy may still be needed.
- !The technique is newer and availability is limited.
- !Urinary, infectious, bleeding and sexual side effects remain possible.
A precise pathway before treatment
Good prostate cancer care connects imaging, pathology and clinical risk. Treatment is chosen only after these pieces agree.
- 1
Treatment decision
Options are compared according to stage, risk, health, priorities and expected side effects.
- 2
Structured follow-up
PSA, imaging and—when indicated—repeat biopsy check how the chosen strategy is working.
- 3
Initial assessment
Medical history, PSA, examination and previous reports are reviewed together.
- 4
High-quality imaging
Multiparametric MRI helps locate suspicious areas and assess local extent.
- 5
Tissue confirmation
Targeted and systematic biopsy provide the diagnosis and grade of the tumour.
What patients usually want to understand
- How urinary continence, sexual function and recovery may be affected.
- Which alternative options remain available now and later.
- What follow-up is required and what would trigger additional treatment.
- What the treatment is expected to achieve in this exact risk group.
Questions worth asking before deciding
- Which areas were sampled at biopsy and do they match the MRI findings?
- What are the realistic short- and long-term side effects in this case?
- How experienced is the centre with the proposed diagnostic or treatment pathway?
- Is the cancer confined to the prostate, and how certain is the staging?
Follow-up is part of treatment
A procedure is only one moment in the care pathway. Regular PSA testing, clinical review and appropriate imaging are needed to identify response, recurrence or a new relevant lesion early.
Frequently asked questions
01What follow-up is needed?
Regular PSA, MRI and a protocol-defined control biopsy are important because untreated prostate remains.
02What if cancer remains?
Depending on the findings, repeat ablation, surgery, radiotherapy or another strategy may be considered.
03How does microwave ablation work?
Microwave energy heats tissue around a thin applicator, creating a planned ablation zone.
04Is it the same as HIFU?
No. Both are thermal focal approaches, but microwave energy is delivered through a needle-like applicator while HIFU uses focused ultrasound.
05Is it standard treatment?
Evidence is developing. Its role should be discussed with a specialist in relation to guidelines, trials and available alternatives.
06How is the target located?
Planning commonly combines MRI, targeted biopsy and live ultrasound fusion guidance.
Bring your results. Leave with a clearer plan.
Uropoint provides specialist urological assessment. Bring PSA results, MRI images and report, biopsy histology and previous medical records to make the consultation as useful as possible.