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Illustration of a medical machine, featuring a main console with a digital display, control buttons, typically used for patient monitoring or diagnostic purposes.

Other focal and specialised treatments for prostate cancer

Some treatments aim to destroy cancer inside the prostate without removing it. These approaches are specialised and are usually offered only in selected cases or within clinical trials.

What are focal and ablative treatments?

Focal or ablative treatments aim to destroy cancer tissue inside the prostate using heat or freezing.

Unlike surgery or radiotherapy, these treatments do not always treat the whole prostate. In some cases, they target the entire gland, but in others they focus only on the area where the cancer is located.

Current European guidelines state that focal treatments may cause fewer side effects than some other treatments, but there is still uncertainty about how well they control prostate cancer in the long term.

For this reason, these treatments are:

  • Often offered as part of clinical trials or research studies.
  • Not considered a standard treatment for most men.
  • Usually offered only at specialised centres.

They are generally considered for selected men with localised (high-intermediary risk) prostate cancer.

They are not recommended for high-risk or locally advanced prostate cancer outside clinical trials.

Making a decision

If you are considering HIFU or cryotherapy, it is important to discuss:

  • Whether your cancer stage and risk group make you suitable
  • The long-term evidence for cancer control
  • Possible side effects
  • Whether the treatment is part of a clinical study

Your doctor can help you understand whether a standard treatment or a specialised approach is most appropriate for you.

This chapter contains general information about focal and specialised treatments for prostate cancer. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.

The creation of this chapter was funded by Ferring Pharmaceuticals. Its content has been independently developed and approved by the EAU Patient Office.

Last updated: April 2026

Reviewed by: 

  • Mr. Eamonn Rogers (EAU Patient Office Chairman)
  • Dr. Erik Briers (EAU Patient Office EPAG)
  • Dr. Nikolaos Grivas (EAU Guidelines Panel on Prostate Cancer)
  • Prof. Phil Cornford (EAU Guidelines Panel on Prostate Cancer)