A multi-site clinical trial is currently investigating the effectiveness of water vapor ablation, using targeted steam injections, as a treatment for intermediate-risk prostate cancer. The Vanquish Water Vapor Ablation System, developed by Francis Medical, offers a potentially less invasive alternative to traditional treatments like surgery and radiation therapy, which often lead to significant side effects.
How Steam Ablation Works
The Vanquish system delivers a precise, 10-second burst of steam directly into the prostate tumor via a catheter inserted through the urethra. The steam rapidly disperses within the tissue before condensing back into water, effectively heating and destroying the cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. This targeted approach aims to reduce the risk of incontinence, impotence, and bowel dysfunction commonly associated with conventional prostate cancer treatments.
Clinical Trial Details
The ongoing clinical trial involves approximately 400 male patients over 50 years of age diagnosed with stage 2 or below prostate cancer that has not spread to other organs. Participants will be monitored for five years to assess disease progression and long-term outcomes. So far, over 180 patients have received the steam ablation treatment. The trial's primary endpoint is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the Vanquish system in ablating prostate cancer cells.
Potential Benefits and Current Landscape
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men. While early detection often leads to a hopeful outlook, current treatments can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. The steam ablation procedure offers several potential advantages: it can be performed on an outpatient basis, allowing patients to return home the same day and resume normal activities quickly. Unlike radiation therapy, which requires multiple visits, steam ablation typically involves a single session, with multiple steam bursts administered during the same procedure if needed. Researchers hope that steam may offer patients a less invasive way of controlling or curing cancer than currently exists.
Expert Commentary
Researchers involved in the trial are optimistic about the potential of steam ablation. "This trial is designed for patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer, meaning that the tumor is localized in the prostate gland and has not spread to other organs," explains a lead investigator from Keck Medicine of USC, a participating site. "We hope that steam may offer patients a less invasive way of controlling or curing cancer than currently exists."
