According to Prostate Cancer UK “Focal therapy means removing the cancer, while leaving the rest of the organ intact. This is done to retain as much normal function as possible, and so attempt to reduce the side effects, and recovery times, associated with radical treatment options”.

Today, CLS offers focal therapy systems for both US-fusion and MR-guided focal laser ablation. Below our CTO Cristina Pantaleone and VP Medical Affairs Hoda Tawfik, explain how the TRANBERG® Thermal Therapy Systems have been designed for precise and safe focal therapy of soft tissue, such as the prostate gland, and what kind of research CLS is now supporting.

Cristina, you have been working with the development of CLS´s products since 2012 and is now Chief Technical Officer of the company. What are the benefits of using laser as the energy source for focal therapy?

Laser light is a unique energy source. Although it is technically an electromagnetic wave, which applies also for other energy sources used for focal ablation, it interacts with the tissue in a different way. By changing the properties of the laser beam, as well as the kind of laser applicator used, it is possible to optimize the treatment to the target tissue.

In addition, laser light passes through glass and plastic and does not require metallic delivery systems as microwave- and radiofrequency-based systems for focal therapy do. These properties of laser light make it well suited for use also in the MRI environment. So, for CLS it has been a natural step to develop applications for MR-guided focal therapy.

What does this mean for the physician and the patient?

From a therapy point of view, the size of a tissue ablation that can be achieved in one single shot is limited, when compared to for example microwave systems, but this can be compensated for by using the pull-back technique. It is also a factor that can be used to increase precision rather than a downside, and we believe this is the reason why focal laser ablation has demonstrated low risk of side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.

In addition, laser light radiation is not ionizing, which means that laser ablation can be safely repeated without cumulative risks if an extensive area needs treatment, or if repeated sessions are required.

How have the laser applicators been designed to ensure precise and safe treatment of patients?

Our proprietary unique production technique allows us to easily adapt the tip design of our laser applicators. We now offer laser applicators with three different tip variations. The current product portfolio was accurately developed and selected together with experienced urologists and radiologists to enable the physician to choose the most optimal tool for each patient case and, when needed, combine different tools during one treatment session.

Our non-cooled technology allows easier to use setup and no risks for leakages of coolant, which may be both an environmental risk and a risk for the patient, for example causing infections. The non-cooled technology also shows smaller artifacts when MR is used.