A Multi-Institutional Study of Magnetic Resonance/Ultrasound Fusion–Guided Nanoparticle-Directed Focal Therapy for Prostate Ablation

PURPOSE: Focal therapy aims to provide a durable oncologic treatment option for men with prostate cancer (PCa), while preserving their quality of life. Most focal therapy modalities rely on the direct tissue effect, resulting in a possible nontargeted approach to ablation. Here, we report the results of the first human feasibility trial utilizing nanoparticle-directed focal photothermal ablation for PCa. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective, open-label, single-arm, multicenter study of men with localized PCa in Gleason Grade Group 1 to 3 was conducted. Men received a single infusion of gold nanoparticles (AuroShells), followed by magnetic resonance (MR)/ultrasound (US) fusion-guided laser excitation of the target tissue to induce photothermal ablation. MRI was used to assess the effectiveness of prostate tissue ablation at 48 to 96 hours, 3 months, and 12 months post treatment. At 3 months, a targeted fusion biopsy of the lesion(s) was conducted. At 12 months, a targeted fusion biopsy and standard templated biopsy were performed. Treatment success was determined based on a negative MR/US fusion biopsy outcome within the treated area. RESULTS: = .046). CONCLUSIONS: Nanoparticle-directed focal laser ablation of neoplastic prostate tissue resulted in 73% of patients with successful treatment at 12 months post treatment, confirmed by negative MR/US fusion biopsy of the treated lesion and a systematic biopsy.