SHOULD CRYOSURGERY BE CONSIDERED A THERAPEUTIC OPTION IN LOCALIZED PROSTATE-CANCER

Cryosurgical ablation of the prostate currently is under investigation as a potential treatment for localized prostate cancer. Results to da te indicate that the majority of patients have negative biopsies and a marked reduction in prostate-specific antigen levels following cryoth erapy. This treatment, however, is associated with significant side ef fects, notably bladder outflow obstruction, impotence, and incontinenc e, and its long-term durability is still unknown.