NANOPARTICLE -directed therapy has shown significant promise for treating localised prostate cancer, achieving tumour ablation in 73% of patients while preserving key functions such as urinary and sexual health.
Prostate cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death among men in the United States, driving the demand for effective treatments that minimize side effects. A recent study led by researchers at institutions including the University of Virginia and the University of Texas investigated the efficacy of an innovative nanoparticle-based laser therapy aimed at addressing this clinical challenge.
The study involved a multicentre, single-arm, open-label trial with 46 men diagnosed with localized prostate cancer, of which 44 completed the entire treatment protocol. The participants were infused with gold nanoparticles, also called “AuroShells,” specifically engineered to absorb near-infrared light. These nanoparticles were administered to concentrate within the cancerous tissue and, upon laser activation, generate heat to destroy targeted tumour cells. This technique, termed nanoparticle-directed focal photothermal ablation, used a combination of magnetic resonance (MRI) and ultrasound (US) fusion imaging to precisely guide laser treatment to cancerous regions, sparing healthy tissue. To assess outcomes, MR/US fusion biopsies were performed at baseline, 3 months, and 12 months post-treatment. The results showed a notable reduction in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels from an average of 9.5 ng/mL at baseline to 4.7 ng/mL at 12 months (P < 0.0001), with 73% of treated patients achieving negative biopsies in the targeted cancerous zones by 12 months. Additionally, larger lesion diameters were associated with a higher chance of treatment failure, suggesting the importance of lesion size in predicting patient outcomes (P = 0.046).
These findings highlight nanoparticle-guided ablation as a promising treatment option for localized prostate cancer, especially for patients prioritizing the preservation of quality of life. The ability of this approach to target and destroy cancerous cells while avoiding surrounding tissue marks a significant advantage over traditional treatments, which often compromise urinary or sexual function. Future studies could refine this method further by exploring optimal nanoparticle dosing and expanding to larger patient populations, with the goal of confirming long-term benefits and broadening its application in clinical settings. If successful, this therapy may become a valuable option in the clinical management of prostate cancer, combining effective tumour control with minimal impact on patients’ daily lives.
Reference
Canfield SE et al. A multi-institutional study of magnetic resonance/ultrasound fusion–guided nanoparticle-directed focal therapy for prostate ablation. J Urol. 2024;0(0).
