title: [Focal therapy of prostate cancer in Germany].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men, which is increasingly diagnosed at a localized stage due to the widespread use of PSA (prostate-specific antigen)-screening.
  
  
  METHODS
  Traditionally, definite treatment options for PCa include radical prostatectomy, external beam radiotherapy, or brachytherapy. However, treatment-related side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction are common. Alternatively, national and international guidelines recommend active surveillance (AS) as a treatment option for low-risk PCa. Organ-preserving surgery is commonly used in other organs, such as organ-conserving surgery for breast cancer. Focal therapy (FT) for PCa may close the gap between radical treatment options and active surveillance while reducing side effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This article highlights the current therapy options for FT in Germany including their limitations and perspectives. Currently, different therapy options are available for FT in PCa. However, the use of FT is still embedded in clinical trials and has not been approved for routine use yet. Initial results seem to be promising, but most studies are currently enrolling or have not been published yet.
authors.affiliation: Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland. maria.apfelbeck@med.uni-muenchen.de.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Apfelbeck
authors.affiliation: Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Herlemann
authors.affiliation: Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Stief
authors.affiliation: Urologische Klinik und Poliklinik, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Campus Großhadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, München, Deutschland.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gratzke
mesh_terms: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor / Q000097:blood*; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D059351:Organ Sparing Treatments / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen / Q000097:blood; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D057832:Watchful Waiting
chemical_list: D014408:Biomarkers, Tumor; D017430:Prostate-Specific Antigen
keywords: Index tumour hypothesis; Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging; Organ-preserving surgery; Prostate-specific antigen; Surveillance, active