East Valley Urology in Scottsdale, Arizona, has achieved a significant milestone by completing the first three prostate cancer procedures in PROCEPT BioRobotics' FDA-approved WATER IV trial using Aquablation therapy in an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) setting. The outpatient procedures, performed by Dr. Rahul Mehan, were completed without complications and with same-day discharge, marking a potential shift toward more accessible prostate cancer treatment.
Trial Design and Objectives
The WATER IV trial represents a pivotal study comparing Aquablation therapy to radical prostatectomy in men with localized prostate cancer classified as grade group 1 to 3. This comparison aims to evaluate whether the robotically controlled waterjet procedure can serve as an effective alternative to traditional surgical approaches while offering improved patient outcomes and reduced healthcare costs.
The successful completion of these initial procedures in the ASC setting demonstrates the potential for treating prostate cancer in a more scalable, cost-effective outpatient environment, according to the company's announcement.
Aquablation Technology
Aquablation therapy utilizes ultrasound-guided, robotic-assisted, heat-free waterjet technology specifically designed for prostate treatment. The system's real-time ultrasound imaging provides surgeons with a multi-dimensional view of the prostate, enabling personalized treatment planning tailored to each patient's unique anatomy.
The technology allows surgeons to specify which areas of the prostate to remove while preserving the anatomy that controls erectile function, ejaculatory function, and continence. Once the treatment plan is mapped by the surgeon, the predictable robotic-assisted execution enables prostate tissue to be removed in a precise, targeted, and controlled fashion.
Clinical Approach and Positioning
Aquablation aims to offer a middle-ground approach by removing most of the prostate and diagnosed cancer while potentially preserving function. This positioning could address a significant gap in current treatment options for men with localized prostate cancer who seek effective cancer treatment while maintaining quality of life.
The therapy was originally developed for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which affects approximately 40 million men in the United States. PROCEPT BioRobotics has developed a significant body of clinical evidence with over 150 peer-reviewed publications supporting the benefits and clinical advantages of Aquablation therapy.
Technology Platform
PROCEPT BioRobotics manufactures the AQUABEAM® and HYDROS™ Robotic Systems, with the HYDROS Robotic System being the only AI-powered, robotic technology that delivers Aquablation therapy. The company designed Aquablation therapy to deliver effective, safe, and durable outcomes for males suffering from lower urinary tract symptoms due to BPH that are independent of prostate size and shape or surgeon experience.
The expansion of this technology into prostate cancer treatment through the WATER IV trial represents a significant evolution in the company's therapeutic applications and could potentially transform how localized prostate cancer is treated in outpatient settings.
